Naylor eyes next target in long-term plan

Scott Naylor

Scott Naylor accepts that Oldham’s promotion in 2015 must be followed by rugby Championship consolidation in 2016.

It is nine seasons since Oldham last played in rugby league’s second tier and Naylor is under no illusion about the size of the task in a division containing several full-time clubs and big differences in the amount of money clubs get from central funds.

With two years left on his current three-year contract, his immediate aim is to stay up in the Championship, then build from there, seeing the club grow in stature over several years.

Describing the accumulation of enough points to avoid a quick return to League One as a “huge challenge”, the 2015 League One coach of the year said: “It’s going to be difficult, but that’s the target.

“We want to put Oldham back where they used to be - and we start that process by staying in the Championship, then improving. This is the start of a big challenge and we’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting.

“There’s a vast difference between the money big clubs are spending and the money we’re spending and over a long season that differential will ensure the clubs with most money will finish near the top.”