Roughyeds start planning for future

CHAIRMAN Bill Quinn and chief executive Chris Hamilton were locked in talks lasting several hours yesterday as the Roughyeds’ top brass looked back over the season now coming to a close – and looked ahead to 2009.

For part of the marathon meeting the club’s two directors were joined by head coach Steve Deakin, now charged with the task of negotiating the play-offs and guiding the club to promotion to National League One, and reserve-team coach John Hough.

A packed agenda included discussions on many aspects of club life, including reviews of the season for first team and reserve team; player appraisals; and potential targets for next season.

Said Mr Hamilton: “We did a comprehensive review of the reserve team’s season and we had a similar look at the first-team, although that was more difficult because the season is not yet finished and is, in fact, poised for a thrilling finale.

“We were faced with a similar situation this time last year. Then, as now, we didn’t know which division we would be operating in for the following season.

“That makes it difficult to plan too specifically, but it’s important that supporters should know that we are not sitting back and marking time. We are doing what we can, making contingency plans and expecting to speak to various people sooner rather than later.”

Many of the first-team players, including James Coyle, Tommy Goulden, Danny Halliwell, Lucas Onyango, Mick Nanyn, Richard Mervill, Marcus St Hilaire, Adam Robinson, Chris Baines, Paul O’Connor, Phil Joseph, Craig Littler, Gareth Langley and the injured Ben Seru are on two-year deals to the end of November, 2009 subject to the team winning promotion to Co-operative National League One.

Among those whose current agreements expire within the next three months are Neil Roden, Simeon Hoyle, Said Tamghart, club skipper Robert Roberts, Matty Brooks, Daryl Cardiss, Jason Boults, Ian Hodson and Luke Sutton.

The players have been given a few days off this week, but they reconvene on Sunday when preparations will begin in earnest for the play-off clash with either Doncaster or Keighley at Boundary Park on Sunday, September 14 (3.00pm kick off).