Coach unveils target for 2017

Scott Naylor

SCOTT Naylor is targeting a mid-table finish for Oldham in next year's Kingstone Press Championship.

With Hull KR, Rochdale Hornets and Toulouse Olympique replacing Leigh Centurions, Whitehaven and Workington, the division will be tougher than 2016.

Though delighted to finish 10th ­- just above the relegated bottom two ­- the ambitious Roughyeds boss is aiming for a seventh or eighth-place finish in 2017.

Speaking at the club's end-of-season awards dinner, Naylor said: "Just to stay in the division at the first attempt was a bigger achievement than winning promotion from League 1.

"The season was a huge success. But I'm never happy. I always want more.

"If I'd been offered third bottom at the start of last season I would have taken it. But next season has to be better. We have to finish seventh or eighth.

'TOGETHER'
"We are used to this division now. We know what's coming. A lot of us will be in our fifth season together and we are getting better.

"As long as we keep on doing what we are doing we will keep getting better. That's what we all want; that's why I am here. I want to be in this game to make a difference.

"If the staff gets better and the players get better, the club gets better.

"I've spent five years at each of my three clubs and I want to be remembered for making a difference.

"Four years ago. when I came here, we were seventh in League 1 and now we are aiming to finish seventh in the Championship next year. That's how far we have come.

"I was an average player. I want to be a good coach."