Hamilton reveals ground pressure

Oldham Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton: stressful few weeks

AS promoted Oldham RL Club look forward to their Championship bow against London Broncos at Stalybridge on February 7, chairman Chris Hamilton has spoken of the stress he went through t o find the new home ground.

Hamilton spoke to several clubs - including Athletic - in the search for a ground that would satisfy both the RFL and Oldham supporters before agreeing to the one-season deal with Stalybridge Celtic FC to play at Bower Fold.

Had Hamilton failed, there was a real danger the team would have been condemned to a 10th season in rugby’s third tier, an all-conquering promotion season.

“It was a weight off my shoulders when we got Stalybridge,” said Hamilton.

He said journalist Gareth Walker was precisely right when his alternative 2015 League One awards in trade paper “League Express” named the Roughyeds chairman “Relieved Man of the Year”!

Wrote Walker: “When they finally achieved promotion, elevation was still in doubt until they could secure a suitable ground which thankfully they have after hours of more stress for Hamilton.”

Hamilton explained: “While everybody else was celebrating a fantastic season, I had a huge weight on my shoulders.

“We wanted to stay in the town we proudly represent, but that wasn’t possible.

“In Stalybridge we have secured not only a great venue but a partner - Celtic chairman Rob Gorski - who embraces what we need and who wants to work with us.”