Quinn determined to take extra step

RIGHT the wrongs of the past: that is the goal for this year, according to Roughyeds chairman Bill Quinn.

The ambitious club boss is determined that this season, Oldham can gain promotion back to the game's second professional tier — preferably, without the need for a third successive play-off final clash.

Having assembled a high-calibre squad, Quinn is confident that a top-placed finish in Co-operative Championship One, which would grant elevation to a division containing the likes of Widnes, Leigh, Halifax and Toulouse, can be achieved.

"I am determined that we will do what we have failed to do in the past two seasons," said Quinn, who enters his third season associated with the club.

"I am sure we will be proved right in appointing (coach) Tony Benson and both myself and (chief executive) Chris Hamilton are pleased with the way he is handling the team and dealing with things.

"This time I am sure we will make up for our mistakes in the last two years and get automatic promotion."

First, though, the Roughyeds players concentrate on a Northern Rail Cup competition which begins later this week at favourites Widnes.

"It is a big game for us on Friday night and a good test," Quinn added.

"All the lads have responded well to training so we will see where we are up to.

"We have been unlucky with the weather when it comes to training sessions recently, though other clubs are in the same boat.

"But especially in our game against Leigh, when we controlled most of the match, there were some very encouraging early signs."

Quinn also cited the new red-and-white hooped shirt as evidence that the club is listening to its supporters, while also hinting at future developments which should bring a renewed spring to the step of everyone associated with the club.

"The squad we have assembled illustrates our determination to achieve our goals," he said.

"We mean business. We want to get out of this division and in doing so, give people the product that they want.

"I hope people stick with us and also bring their friends along to support the team. We can push things forward as much as we can, but we ultimately need the fans to come with us.

"The new kit shows that we have listened and will continue to do so. We know people were asking for hoops and that is what we have provided. Hopefully, plenty of people will enjoy it.

"It is all about getting fans to feel involved in what we are doing. Sometimes, for various reasons, we can't make public what we would like to because things haven't yet been signed, sealed and delivered.

"But I have said all along that this is not my club, it is the fans' club.

"We are doing everything we can for them and are always working behind the scenes to move things forward."