‘Club left in good shape’ – Deakin

MARCUS St Hilaire: Agreed to a new one-year deal with the Roughyeds.

STEVE DEAKIN said it was “ambition fulfilled” when he arrived at Oldham Roughyeds. Two-and-a-half-years later the relationship is over.

The 53-year-old coach was philosophical about his departure — failure to win promotion to National League One ultimately cost him a new contract — but insisted he has left his home-town club in “good shape”.

Deakin was desperate to guide Oldham towards the riches of Super League, but Sunday’s NL2 Grand Final defeat by Doncaster brought a parting of the ways.

He said: “I’m disappointed that I did not get another crack at it, but I also understand the club have responsibilities and they are now seeking alternative avenues.

“The board have backed me for the time I’ve been here and I have left knowing that the club is in good shape and that they will have an improved squad next season.

“They have already earmarked new recruits and I’m sure they will be announcing some names shortly.

“Maybe with a bit of luck we would have won titles, but it has been a privilege to have coached this club and I wish them well.

“The fans, probably 95-per-cent of them anyway, have been good to me and I thank them for their support.”

Oldham turned to Deakin in March 2006 after the shock resignation of John Pendlebury.

After a first season in charge when the club was on its knees, the former Catalans Dragons, Sheffield and Huddersfield chief then steered the club to consecutive Grand Finals.

“We all experience highs and lows in whatever we do and this game is no different,” said Deakin, who has not ruled a return to the game after taking a holiday and spending some time with his grandchildren.

“To make it through that first year was one, but also reaching the quarter-finals of the National Rail Cup for the first time and being only 8-6 down after 38 minutes against Wakefield in the Challenge Cup were definitely others.”

Despite not having a coach in place, Oldham’s rebuilding programme is already under way.

Experienced back Marcus St Hilaire has agreed a new one-year-deal, and Mr Hamilton said: “It’s an important signing for us as he was one of our most consistent performers last season. He also has also a massive influence off the field, just ask James Coyle, Gareth Langley and Paul O’Connor.”

But hard-hitting French prop Said Tamghart, one of Deakin’s early captures, has signed a two-year deal at Halifax in National League One.