Coach candidates please Roughyeds

CLUB chief executive Chris Hamilton admits there have been “one or two surprises” in the postbag as the search goes on for Oldham’s new head coach.

Applications have been pouring in to succeed Steve Deakin and many more are expected to arrive before next Wednesday’s deadline.

The position has attracted CVs both from at home and abroad and from a wide variety of backgrounds in rugby league.

“Everyone is pleased with the response and it shows that being coach of Oldham remains an attractive job,” said Mr Hamilton.

“We’ve received a broad range of applications, in regard to age, experience and positions held in the game.

“There have been a number from overseas and there are also one or two surprises.

“The man who is chosen to be head coach has a huge amount of responsibility on his shoulders.

“First and foremost he has to be able to coach. It’s no good having ground-breaking ideas, if he isn’t able to implement them. He also needs excellent man-management skills, because he will need to work with many people.

“But ultimately, he shapes the destiny of the team and we can spend as much money as we can afford, but if the team doesn’t work as a unit, it doesn’t succeed.

“It’s a big call and we need to do our checks thoroughly before we go ahead and name somebody.”

As well as looking through job applications, Mr Hamilton and club chairman Bill Quinn are clocking up the miles as they try to tie up deals for players.

Talks will continue over the weekend, although the situation is made more difficult as some players are still on holiday.