Minute’s applause in memory of Nigel

OLDHAM RL fans will be invited to show their respect for the late Nigel Marland with a minute's applause before the pre-season friendly against Swinton Lions at Whitebank on Sunday afternoon.

Just as he had requested a funeral service of 'memories and laughter', his preference at Whitebank was not for a minute's silence, but for a minute's applause.

The players, whom Nigel regarded as personal friends, wore black arm bands at Barrow,

Club chairman Chris Hamilton made a moving, but humorous, eulogy at the funeral service at Oldham Crematorium, as did Nigel's niece Leanne and his lifelong friend and former teaching colleague Mike Russell.

Hundreds of people crammed into the crematorium, with every seat occupied and every inch of floor space down the aisles and at the back also taken up in an extraordinary turn-out for the former school teacher, Oldham rugby stalwart and well-known amateur actor, director and producer.