Frank Rothwell, the Oldham Athletic owner, 72, leaves fans laughing with an amusing video announcing an incoming transfer.
The Latics have brought in Altrincham’s Josh Lundstram but in the build up to the new signing’s unveiling, a video dropped on the club’s socials, getting over 100,000 views.
In typical witty fashion, Rothwell got fans excited that there was a new player about to arrival at the National League club. The clip shows him doing some work around the ground, then made his way into the stadium, jokingly showing frustration at there being no new summer signings.
The video was then followed up with the announcement confirming Lundstram’s arrival…
Things get done when Frank’s around… #oafc pic.twitter.com/Wl22oGioFK
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) June 6, 2023
🙌 Here we go! #oafc
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) June 6, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT
Oldham Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Josh Lundstram from Altrincham for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old becomes David Unsworth’s first summer signing, agreeing a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Josh is a product of the famed Crewe Alexandra youth academy, and joined Altrincham in the summer of 2022.
Having played every minute of every league game for the Robins last season, he picked up the manager’s, players’ and fans’ player of the season awards.
David Unsworth was happy to get the deal over the line.
“Josh had a brilliant season and is a player we’ve been tracking probably since new year.
“In one of the early games we had there he was outstanding, he can play in a two in midfield, he can play in a three, he can play a holding midfielder, he gets on the ball and he’s box to box. He’s been schooled right coming from Crewe so he can handle the ball when he gets on the half-turn in midfield, which is what I like and what we’ve been looking for.
“He’s what I would call a proper midfielder, he does all aspects of what I would like from midfield.
“And he’s a great lad. I went to watch him a couple of times for Altrincham and to play for England C when he had a great game that night, along with Joe Nuttall.
“As midfielders go in this league and League Two he’s right up there, and he’s a brilliant age as well for us so it’s the perfect signing.”
After spending time out on loan with various local sides, Lundstram joined Altrincham on loan in 2020, helping them achieve promotion from the National League North via the play-offs.
The midfielder then made his league debut for Crewe at the start of the 2020/21 season, staking a claim at Gresty Road the following campaign, making 30 appearances in total.
He returned to Moss Lane last season, this time on a permanent basis, and was ever-present as Phil Parkinson’s side reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy.
Josh admitted that he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join a club like Latics.
“I’ve committed myself for two years and I can’t want to get going.
“Obviously it’s a massive club and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.
“When I heard there was interest from such a big club I couldn’t wait to get here and get a look at the place.
Josh Lundstram-155.jpg
“I’ve played here a few times and I’ve seen how big the club is and how many fans they get and I’ve seen the atmosphere they create.
“I played here with Altrincham towards the back end of the season and we saw how difficult it was to play in front of that many fans, so being on the upside of that this season will be a great feeling.
“I’ve played in League One before and I want to get back to there and there’s no reason why that can’t be with Oldham.”
Josh will wear squad number 8.
Welcome to Latics, Josh!
💼 Josh is settled in his new surroundings. #oafc pic.twitter.com/iFLtJpItO3
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) June 7, 2023
We all know what a character Frank Rothwell is, but did you know that he is also a Guinness World Record holder, who’s rowed solo across the Atlantic, sailed half way round the world, spent five weeks on a deserted island, completed 11 marathons, and raised more than £1million for charity.
He recently spoke about having major heart surgery last year at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital to repair his damaged aorta which was in danger of rupturing.
Frank said, “My aorta should have been about 25mm, but tests showed that it was 49mm in diameter and because my blood pressure was also high, Mr Omar Nawaytou, Consultant Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon, told me that surgery was needed urgently. Within 4 weeks of my clinic appointment, I was back in hospital for my operation.
“With my background in engineering, I like to know how things work. So, I did plenty of research about what I’d been told and to understand exactly how they were going to replace the damaged section of my aorta. I was fully aware of the risks of this type of surgery, but I also had my mind set on rowing the Atlantic for a second time. The only way I’d be able to do it, was by having the surgery and getting myself fit and healthy again.
“I was in Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for 9 days and the care that I received from all the team was absolutely brilliant. The staff were so knowledgeable and professional, and they were always on hand to check I was ok.
“It was also reassuring that my wife, Judith, was able to stay on site at the Robert Owen House for the duration of my treatment. It meant she didn’t have to drive back and forth from where we live in Oldham, and she was close by to help with my recovery and make sure that I was ok – it made a big difference to me.
“Since being discharged, my recovery has gone from strength and strength – probably quicker than I thought. I’ve been walking a hilly one-mile circuit from my house every day and each time, I can feel myself getting fitter and stronger. Not only does it mean I can continue one of my big passions in life, which is building my very own steam engine… but it also means I’m one step closer to my next ocean challenge.”
Just can’t help but love this guy.
In December 2023, Frank is to take on a 3,000-mile solo Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, something which is a, annual race known as ‘the world’s toughest row’, with teams and individuals rowing from San Sebastian on La Gomera to Nelson’s Dockyard on Antigua.
Frank added: “I’m so grateful to Mr Nawaytou and all the brilliant team at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital who gave me such good care and who have made it possible for me to fulfil this next big ambition.”
Can you imagine rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean at CHRISTMAS? 🚣♂️🎄
This is what 70-year-old Frank has packed to keep the spirit alive at sea ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/4022NvvXL3— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) December 12, 2020
As mentioned, the Oldham owner, 72, leaves fans laughing with an amusing video announcing a transfer…
@AshGrant: Banging ont door like can’t pay take it away 🤣🤣🤣
@ChrisJStott19: God I love this man 😁
@Prestonoldham51: I love this man too much
@ptoafc83: Haha nice one Frank
@Wozz77: Our very own eccentric legend !!!
@loud_MM91: YES FRANK GET THEM TOLD
@MarcFeighery: 🤣🤣🤣 super Frank 💙
@markt_john: Ya just got to love Frank
@Harry0AFC: Love you Frank x
@foreverblue901: 😂😂😂 fair play 👏👏
@dancingdickie: Oh Frank💙😂
@cartwright_ric: 🤣 There’s only 1 Franky Rothwell! #oafc
@caunce_owen: Incredible 😂
@NJB2874:
Yes….when are you???? 🤣🤣🤣
Let’s all be a bit more Frank! 💙⚽️
@Allidee1: Love it.. Come on then Frank???? 💙💙💙💙
@MarkWha49354196: Love this fella! Let’s have some signings Latics! ⚽
@Victoriacbailey: I really love this man!! 😂 💙
@OafcAsh: I love this club 🤣🤣
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