Roughyeds wait to learn rivals

Reporter: by MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date online: 11 November 2009

OLDHAM Roughyeds expect to find out today whether they will face Leigh or Gateshead in the Co-operative Championship One next season.

The RFL is set to make a final decision on the make-up of its professional division outside of Super League, with the north-east outfit believed to be keen to drop down a division following the departure of their main backer.

Leigh, relegated last season but with a new coach in Ian Millward and a host of high-profile signings on board including last year’s Roughyeds captain Tommy Goulden, are keen to take Gateshead’s Championship place if such a request is granted as they aim to put together a Super League licence bid for the 2012 season.

Should Leigh be handed a reprieve by the governing body, it would come as something of a blow for Oldham given the good numbers of supporters the club brings along for away games.

The RFL, who begin drawing up provisional fixture lists for 2010 this week, may yet feel that such a switch of divisions may have too much of an adverse impact on the integrity of its competitions.

Oldham, meanwhile, are continuing with efforts to build a squad for next season.

Owner Chris Hamilton, who is due to meet Athletic managing director Simon Corney today over ground talks, hopes to continue running a reserves side next season.

A number of young players from last season’s second team are set to be offered contracts soon. Of the current crop of young professionals, Ben Heaton, Mark Smith, Chris Clarke and Scott Mansfield all have a year left to run on their Oldham deals.