Koukash interest very welcome — chairman

OLDHAM RL chairman Chris Hamilton has welcomed interest in the club shown by Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash.

And the RFL hasn’t put a block on a potential double-swoop for the town’s two professional sporting clubs.

“There have been numerous occasions in the past, to the point of boredom, when I have stated I am only too happy for someone to come along to invest and move the club forward,” said Mr Hamilton.

“The interest from Dr Koukash is therefore very welcome.

“There is, of course, still a lot of work to be done — but as Dr Koukash said himself, he is a man of his word. It is very much a case of him kicking at an open door as far as our club is concerned.”

The rugby league’s governing body says there is no immediate objection to Koukash having an interest in two rugby league clubs — in this case, Salford and Oldham — at once. But such a move would require special permission.

Koukash, meanwhile, has said a move for Oldham Athletic and Oldham RL club would first require a new stadium to be built somewhere in the town.

Millionaire racehorse owner Koukash (55) admitted his interest is in its infancy.

“I had discussions with Simon (Corney, Athletic’s chairman) three months ago,” said Koukash.

“Simon knows that I’m very interested in the club. At the end of the day for it to happen you need a willing seller and a willing buyer. For me, I would be interested in going ahead if the deal is right for the club.”