Baines happy to stay put

CHRIS BAINES is hoping to kick-start his career with Oldham next season.

Having signed a new one-year deal with the club, the former Warrington second row forward — on the bench for 22 of his 26 appearances last term — is determined to push for a regular starting spot in new coach Tony Benson’s promotion chasing side.

“From a personal perspective it wasn’t my best season,” said the 24 year-old, after becoming the 17th first-team player to commit himself for 2009.

“I know I can play better and my personal goal for 2009 is to make a general improvement. I wasn’t first choice for second-row so that’s something for me to aim for, or at least to improve upon.”

Along with a number of other recent signings, Baines was in receipt of contract offers from rival clubs but opted to stick with the Roughyeds for a fourth consecutive season as the club bids to escape National League Two.

“I had a couple of other offers, but I wasn’t interested,” he added.

“Oldham was always going to be my first choice.

“I told Chris (Hamilton) when the season finished that I would like to re-sign for next year and when the offer came in I was made up. Oldham treat you right. All the players will tell you that.”

Roughyeds forward Adam Robinson, whose contract renewal negotiations broke down three weeks ago, is set to sign for National League Two rivals Dewsbury.

Mick Nanyn, the Oldham centre who is joining Super League side Harlequins from next season, came off the bench for Scotland in their 36-18 World Cup pool ‘B’ defeat against France in Canberra yesterday.