Bradshaw lands key Roughyeds role

NEW commercial manager Michael Bradshaw (right) with Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

MICHAEL BRADSHAW is aiming to make a big impact as the Roughyeds’ full-time commercial manager.

The 36-year-old local man, who boasts more than 10 years of experience in sales and marketing roles at Super League sides Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, can’t wait to get stuck in to his new job, which starts on Monday.

A former Waterhead amateur player, Bradshaw is charged with attracting new business interest in the club. His role will also include marketing work, to help get more ‘bums on seats’ at Oldham matches.

And he is confident that he can help accelerate the club’s upward curve.

“I am really looking forward to it,” said Bradshaw, an enthusiastic and well-known figure on the local scene who also runs sports memorabilia firm Sporting Image.

“I will be looking at tweaking a few things, giving a better service and value but at the same time bringing more money into the club.

“I will also be working very closely with the amateur clubs in the town, at which I have lots of contacts.

“If we have a strong amateur base it can only help the town’s professional side. In turn, a strong, well-branded professional side will encourage people to start playing the game.

“I want nothing more than to do my bit to help take this club back into Super League. But everybody has to realise that for that to happen, the hard work begins now.

“If the people of the town back the club then we will deliver — that is my promise.”

With community manager Sean Mellor now into his second year with Oldham, Bradshaw’s appointment is another piece in the jigsaw in terms of the Roughyeds’ development as a club.

And chief executive Chris Hamilton believes the new man will make a big difference.

“He is well known and well connected with loads of enthusiasm and we hope he can help us develop that side of the business,” said Mr Hamilton.

“He will also have a marketing responsibility, but his title is commercial manager and he will be tapping into the business sector.”

The Oldham squad trains tonight ahead of a game at Workington Town on Sunday.

That match kicks off a make-or-break period of three tough matches for the Roughyeds, also comprising a visit to unbeaten Barrow on the evening of Friday, July 11, and a televised home match against Doncaster on Thursday, July 17.

It is hoped the match against Ellery Hanley’s men will attract a record crowd given the free entry at Boundary Park, subject to a £1 charity donation.