OLDHAM Athletic’s leading supporters’ groups have joined forces in a bid to pile even more pressure on unpopular owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

Ahead of the latest protest ‘Empty the Park’, which has been planned for Saturday’s visit of leaders Forest Green Rovers, the club’s three main fans’ groups have issued a joint statement appealing to the entire Latics fanbase to get behind their push for a change in ownership.

‘Empty the Park’ is the second part of a two-pronged protest aimed at highlighting their fears for the future of the club under their current regime.

‘Pack the Park’ was the first part, when the club recorded its biggest attendance of the season against Port Vale, with some fans suspending their individual boycott of home games to voice their frustrations towards Moroccan businessman Lemsagam and his sporting director brother, Mo, as well as backing the team to an impressive comeback win.

And they hope the second phase of the protest will receive just as popular a response from supporters, with fans urged to either stay away from Boundary Park, with the intention of hitting Lemsagam hard in the pocket, or staging a walk-out early in the game to add to the visual impact.

A joint statement from Push The Boundary, Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Foundation and The Athleticos read: “Our club is potentially in its worst crisis in its entire 126 year existence. We need to come together. We all have our own views on the situation at the club, on how best to get our point across to the club, how to protest etc. This is not about who does more and who does less, it’s about ALL fans working together to achieve the result that we all want, a sustainable future under new ownership.

“We can all play a significant part in that.

“We want a team and a club we can get behind again, to feel like it’s ours, to associate with managers, players and staff.

“There is no reason why we cannot get to this stage. While it may not be simple, it can be done.

“The most dangerous thing we can do as supporters is believe that we don’t have a voice and we can’t make a difference.

“One thing is clear, if we do nothing and remain on our current trajectory, there is no happy ending under this ownership.

“Collectively, we have challenged the club and escalated our situation to a national stage. Our owner can no longer accuse disgruntled fans of being a minority.

“You have volunteered to help us, to help OASF and showed support for the Athleticos and that alone tells us that there are people willing to do what they can to fight for our club’s future.

“Whatever happens we will succeed or fail as a fanbase, but if we work together we significantly increase our chances of a positive outcome.

“We therefore want to come together as groups and plea with supporters to back the “Empty the Park” initiative. Packing the pack was a success as supporters roared on the team to a fantastic win against Port Vale, so it’s clear the difference we can make.

“As a visual exercise, we want to show how the future will look if Abdallah Lemsagam remains at this club.

“Please spread the word and let’s try and make this as effective as possible.”