Oldham Athletic CEO in Town

The CEO of Oldham Athletic, Alan Hardy, Tony Philliskirk (Oldham Youth Coach), Brian O'Hehir (Business Development Consultant of ABA Marketing Group), Mr Kenny (ABA Marketing Group) was present in front of the Electronic & Print Media of Bangladesh at BFF House. Oldham Athletic AFC will send its U-20 team to play three matches against Abahani, Mohammedan & the national U-23 team in May 2007.

Two days ago, the Oldham Delegate came to visit Bangladesh's hotel facilities, security, ground (match & training) & stadium facilities. President of BFF, Mr S.A. Sultan said, "To find the prosporous future of Bangladeshi players, we want long term realtionships with Oldham. This will help both of us develop good relationships between Bangladesh & the UK."

Alan Hardy, who can be seen below handing over Oldham's club jersey to S.A. Sultan, said, "We have recieved very good hospitality from the BFF officials with a warm reception. We are the first ever professional football club from the UK to come and play in Bangladesh. We are looking to play three friendly matches in May 2007, one in Sylhet & the other two in Dhaka. I think this tour wil be a wonderful experience for our young players. We have a 5 year contract with ABA Marketing Group & BFF to develop an intensive coaching & training program for the Bangladeshi youth players."

Tony Philliskirk (Oldham Youth Coach) said, "There is a Bangladeshi player named Iqbal Alam (aged 15 years) who is playing for our U-15 team. He is been with us since he was 12. He has played in the U-12, U-13 and U-14 teams of Oldham Athletic AFC. He plays in the centre back position and has good potentials. He will be offered a fulltime professional contract according to his performance." He added, "Our U-20 team will play against Abahani, Mohammedan & the U-23 Bangladesh national team. I think the matches will be competitive."

Oldham Athletic will take some potential young players from Bangladesh for training in Europe. Mr Alan Hardy said, "We are looking for young Bangladeshi talent for intensive training."

They will visit Sylhet tomorrow for venue inspection.