Hough agrees to season-long deal

CHRIS HOUGH has signed a deal which will see him provide on-field guidance to the reserves until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old scrum-half turned out for the second team last Thursday night and helped them to a first success of the season, a 25-6 win at Dewsbury.

He had initially signed a short-term deal after securing a release from Rochdale, but after meeting with Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton last night it was extended across the rest of the campaign.

“We are looking to his experience to guide the younger lads around the park,” said Mr Hamilton, of a player who turned out for Oldham, his home town, in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

“He showed his value in last week’s reserves match after gaining his release from Rochdale and he is enthusiastic about taking up the challenge.”

Chris, cousin of reserves head coach John, has previously played for Swinton, Leigh and Rochdale and will pull on an Oldham shirt again in the home Reserve Team First Division clash against Barrow Raiders, which takes place this Saturday, May 30, at Sedgley Park (2.30pm kick off).

The club are reporting a steady stream of ticket sales for next Thursday’s Northern Rail Cup quarter-final against Featherstone.

The game is being played in Leigh and fans planning to attend are being encouraged to plan in advance to take advantage of the free transport.

“People can pay on the night but as with many other new stadiums, there is no cash taken on the turnstiles,” added Mr Hamilton.

“To save people joining the queues at the ticket office we are encouraging supporters to buy tickets from us as soon as possible, which will also give Atlantic Executive Travel longer to plan out the free transport to and from the ground.”

Former Oldham centre Mick Nanyn, who left the club at the end of last season to try his hand at Super League side Harlequins, has signed a loan deal with Championship outfit Leigh.