Squad shaping up for new boss

TONY Benson has put his stamp of approval on the signings already made by Roughyeds officials for the 2009 season.

So far, Oldham have a total of 14 players on board for next year. Deals have been agreed despite the absence of a head coach since the departure of Steve Deakin following the National League Two play-off final defeat to Doncaster.

But the calibre of player at Benson's disposal means the Auckland-born coach is more than happy to be walking in on a job that is already half-finished, with space having been left within the squad list for him to bring in his own men.

"Chris (Hamilton) and Bill (Quinn) have done really well because they have had a pretty good plan," said Benson, who has previously worked together with re-signed club captain Rob Roberts and new hooker Gary Sykes at Leigh in 2006.

"They didn't want to fall behind, so they have signed the players they needed to and the players they thought were right.

"They also left plenty of room for me to make my mark and what we have decided to do is keep a couple in the bank for during the season.

"So if we have injuries, or if players aren't performing, or if we have any weaknesses in any particular area then we can bring somebody in.

"I think the strategy is good, very professional, and the squad is a very exciting one.

"There is plenty of speed and pace and plenty of skill. We are starting to get together pretty good go-forward too, so we will have a nice, balanced side."

As far as the overall coaching set-up is concerned, the former Junior Kiwis coach will tread carefully and take his time before deciding in which direction to take things.

"I'm not one to jump in and knock everything down that is already in place," he added.

"I'll assess everything and make decisions based on talking to a lot of people, informed decisions, on what stays and what changes.

"I have a lot of respect for Deaks and what he has done and I am not jumping in to kick it all over before I start."


Highton has high hopes for Oldham

PAUL Highton has spoken of his delight at joining his home-town club at the back end of an illustrious career.

The 31-year old Wales international signed a one-year deal with Oldham at the beginning of the week, after not being offered a new deal at Salford City Reds.

Highton, who has also turned out for Halifax and Featherstone in the past, has played in over 200 Super League games and will now use that experience to pass on to youngsters such as front row pair Luke Sutton and Luke Menzies.

"I always fancied having a shot with Oldham before I retired," he told the club’s website.

"I spoke to Chris Hamilton a couple of years back, but at that time I still had another year to do on my Salford contract and my testimonial was also coming up. Playing for Oldham has always been at the back of my mind, though, and now it's happening I am really up for it.

"The club has managed to keep a large chunk of last year's squad and that speaks volumes for it. It also helps me and the other new signings because it means we are joining a squad that is pretty well established and not starting up again from scratch.

"The lads who were at the club last season believe they have a little bit of unfinished business to attend to. They have said they felt they fell a little bit short and they want to put that right next season.

"Lessons have been learned and, hopefully, we can capitalise on that in 2009."


A SPORTSPERSONS” dinner, for both men and women, has been organised to take place on Friday, November 14 (7.30pm), at Waterhead RL Club.

The event is intended to raise funds for two ex-Waterhead players, Paul Highton and Paul Sculthorpe, both celebrating testimonial years.

Tickets are £25 each and can be bought through Mick Bradshaw on 07894122315 or Jonny Eastwood on 07528026584.