I have unfinished business — Naylor

OLDHAM RL’s Scott Naylor has made a favourable impression in his first season as a coach.

DESPITE an approach by Championship club Barrow Raiders, Oldham RL coach Scott Naylor has assured fans: “I’m going nowhere.”

It hasn’t gone unnoticed in the two pro divisions below Super League that Naylor (41) and assistant Lee Spencer assembled a young squad on a tight budget in Naylor’s first job as head coach - then led them to the Championship One runners-up spot.

Oldham had the best away record in the division — seven wins out of eight — and was one win short of pipping North Wales Crusaders to automatic promotion as champions.

Achievements over the season, which included heading into the play-offs on a nine-match unbeaten run, surpassed all pre-season expectations.

Commenting on reports linking him with the Craven Park job, Naylor said: “It’s true they’ve been in touch, but I’m going nowhere.

“It’s nice to know you are wanted by another club, but there’s unfinished business still to be done at Oldham. I’m happy doing what I’m doing at Whitebank. I’ve got a good group of players and I want to carry on doing the work I started with Lee last November.

“I was bitterly disappointed that we failed to win promotion, but it wouldn’t have made any difference to my situation at the club.”