Roden ready to try again

Roughyeds latest by MATTHEW CHAMBERS

NEIL RODEN is aiming to right recent wrongs and help send Oldham up next season.

The experienced stand-off has signed a new one-year deal with the Roughyeds to add guile to a midfield currently containing the youth of brothers James and Thomas Coyle.

Contract discussions have been taking place for some time with the 28-year-old, who has scored more tries (84) than anyone during his seven seasons spent with the new club across two separate spells.

Now, under new coach Tony Benson, Roden can concentrate on helping the Roughyeds gain promotion to National League One at the third time of asking.

“To use his words, Neil had ‘unfinished business’ with us and so despite having the opportunity to go elsewhere he wanted to stay, which is very important,” explained chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“Last year wasn’t his best but he is one of those players who is noticed more when he is not there than when he is.

“Neil has been with the club for a number of years and there is never any question as to his attitude and commitment.”

Roden, who played for Batley and Leigh during his time away from Oldham, only missed four of 37 matches last season under Steve Deakin but was absent for the play-off final defeat to Doncaster due to a pulled hamstring.

The confirmation of his signing takes the number of first-team squad players up to 18.

Further movement regarding last season’s squad is expected over the next few days, with pre-season training due to start up next Monday, November 3.