Bingham accepts Roughyeds deal

EXCITING prospect Anthony Bingham has signed a two-year professional contract for Oldham after an impressive debut season for the reserves.

The 24-year-old full-back had a straight choice between continuing his career on the American Football scene in Germany or making the switch to rugby league.

To the relish of Roughyeds officials, he chose rugby league and becomes the fifth player to pin his colours to the red and white mast for 2009.

Bingham is still a novice in the sport — last season was his first coming to terms with the rigours of the 13-a-side game — but Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton believes he can develop into a fine player.

Mr Hamilton said: “Some people will point to his inexperience and that’s a fair point, but his potential, speed and skill far outweighs that.

“Anthony has work to do on the rudiments of the game, everyone knows that, but we’re confident that the talent is there.

“He has got fantastic footwork and we’re delighted he has taken up this opportunity.”

It was through a conversation with reserve-team coach John Hough that Bingham, who hails from Manchester, was persuaded to give rugby league go.

He was the oldest player in the second string, and he soon excelled with his great pace and elusive running.

He displayed those natural abilities with a length-of-the-field effort against Widnes which won him the reserves’ try-of-the-season award.

Bingham follows captain Rob Roberts, Andy Ballard, young prop Luke Sutton and Marcus St Hilaire on the Roughyeds roster for next season.

Oldham have already had a few inquiries as they search for a new coach to replace Steve Deakin, who was not offered a new deal.

But Mr Hamilton said they will not be rushed into a decision and will advertising the position in the trade press on Monday.