"Ladies of Latics" Spotlight on Jess Reeve
Our Ladies of Latics series is kicking off with Jess Reeve. A lifelong supporter who caught the Latics bug thanks to her dad, Jess represents everything this series is about: loyalty, community, and the women who make Oldham Athletic feel like home.
From matchday memories to motherhood, from away‑day adventures to the friendships formed in the RRE, Jess’s story captures the heart of what it means to be a female fan at OAFC.
Here’s Jess - in her own words - sharing her journey, her favourite moments, and why Latics will always be "home". 💙
🔵 Jess Reeve
🗣️ Q&A
What got you into football – and do you remember your first match? Who do you come to games with?
My dad originally got me into football. He used to bring my sister — she was a Boundary Blue — and one day I tagged along, caught the bug, and I’ve been here ever since! I’m not sure what my first ever game was (I’d have to check with my dad), but I know we sat in the Chaddy End.
I come to games with my best friend’s partner Martin, Martin’s nephew Mathew, and Bob. This season, my dad has a season ticket, so he sits with me now in the RRE.
Why did you choose to support Oldham Athletic?
I don’t think I had a choice if I’m honest — you just follow who your dad supports, don’t you? But once I attended my first match, that was it. I was hooked!
Who was your footballing hero growing up?
I don’t think I had a specific footballing hero personally.
Favourite football memory as a supporter (apart from Wembley)?
Obviously Wembley was huge, but I’d maybe have to say beating Liverpool 1–0.
Do you travel to away games often? What’s been your favourite League Two ground to visit?
Before I had my little girl, I travelled to more away games. The last two seasons I haven’t really been to any, which is a shame — but I have weekend work commitments now too.
Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing? What advice would you give to women or young girls attending Boundary Park for the first time?
It is definitely getting better. Unfortunately, I have experienced some encounters — but only on away days. Honestly, I’d say: enjoy yourself, don’t listen to any criticism or hurtful comments, but also don’t be afraid to speak up. I’d like to think nothing like that would happen at Boundary Park, as I feel we’re very inclusive.
Has Lottie attended an Oldham Athletic game? Did she enjoy it? Who’s her favourite player?
Technically she hasn’t attended in person yet — although I did go to Rochdale and Chesterfield away while pregnant 😂 and I was at all home games until I was ready to pop!
She does like watching them on TV. I’ll 100% be taking her one day, but she’s only 2 and very headstrong, so I’m waiting for the right time.
She does like Mike Fondop though, I must say!
Whilst Lottie hasn't been to a a home game yet, mmy niece Florence has her first season ticket in the family stand this season, with her dad. I didn't get to sit with her all game as the RRE stand was too noisy for her. She is loving it so far and her favourite food to have is Hot Dog & Chips.
Watching Florence enjoy the football for me has been wholesome. For the first time in 35 years my dad has a season ticket and we are enjoying family football days at Boundary Park, there is something heartwarming about a game day with family.
If Oldham Athletic were a film or song, what would it be and why?
Probably "Don’t Stop Believin". It’s very Oldham — things may have gone spectacularly sideways, but somehow we all still get convinced there’s another comeback around the corner!
What is your favourite thing about a matchday at Boundary Park?
The atmosphere is a big one — the Athleticos do an amazing job. But also meeting new people and gaining new friends. Ian has had his season ticket next to me for a few seasons now and I absolutely adore him; he’s like an adopted grandad!
What makes the Oldham Athletic fanbase and wider community so special?
It really is a family unit — cliché, I know, but true. The support I’ve had from strangers online, just because we support the same club, is insane.
The community we have and supporters groups we have are phenomenal. I am a deputy manager at a Children's home, I nominated one of our young children for a season ticket and he was sucessful. He had never been to a football match before and he loved it, he instantly got the bug and attended every home game.
He then won a mascot experience that was offered by the OAFC veterans, which he absolutely loved in 2023. I think this evidences how amazing our Oldham Athletic community/fanbase is. Everyone made him feel at home and included him.
If you could write the final league table now, where would Latics finish?
Oh gosh… as it stands my hopes aren’t high, but I’d have to say 14th maybe.
⚡ Rapid Fire
⚽ Favourite Oldham Athletic player, past or present?
Chris Taylor
🎶 Favourite chant or song from the stands?
I love them all, honestly.
🏟️ If you could relive one Oldham Athletic match, which would it be?
Surely Wembley — as nail‑biting as it was!
🥅 Favourite Oldham Athletic goal — and why?
Possibly Fondop’s overhead at Dorking, I think it was.
🍀 Matchday traditions — any lucky charms or rituals?
No, not really — I just hope for the best!
🍔 Favourite Boundary Park food or drink?
Has to be a pint.
🏠 Home or away matchday?
Away.
💙 One word to describe Latics?
Home 💙
💬 Final Thoughts
Thank you for asking me to be a part of this — we’re creating something special here 💙
A huge thank you to Jess for sharing her story with us and giving us a glimpse into her journey as an Oldham Athletic Supporter. See you at Boundary Park during the season.
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