Player search stepped up

THE SEARCH for fresh blood continues for Oldham today as the club bids to fill the gaps left by departed players.

Coach Tony Benson currently has a 25-strong, not including sports scientist Martin Roden who made an unlikely comeback after a three-year break from the game at Dewsbury.

However, only 17 of those men are currently fit for action. That includes the four first-year professionals, prop Luke Sutton, who has not been training of late due to personal issues, and full-back Paul O’Connor, who was carried off the field after going over on his ankle at the weekend.

In addition, there is also the possibility of a suspension for half-back or hooker Thomas Coyle. He makes a personal appearance before the RFL’s disciplinary committee in Leeds tonight, accompanied by Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

Coyle is charged with a dangerous tackling technique at Grade B, which carries a maximum punishment of a two-game ban.

“We are looking at centres, back rowers and possibly a hooker,” said Benson. “Anybody, really, to boost the squad. There is no panic as the deadline for our division isn’t until August 14, and hopefully we can pull a few favours from Super League clubs to get players here.”

The results of scans on Luke Menzies’ ankle and Paul Highton’s respective ankle and knee injuries are in and will today by examined by club physio Rachael Johnson.

Checks will also be made at tonight’s training session on the condition of O’Connor and Marcus St Hilaire (Achilles and calf) with a view to them both being available for the home game with Rochdale on Sunday.

Roughyeds owner Bill Quinn, meanwhile, has responded to the suggestion in last week’s Chronicle that he offered Roughyeds players to Barrow chairman Des Johnston.

“I never sold any players to Barrow,” said Quinn. “I didn’t personally arrange for any players to go there. When Des Johnston asked about Oldham players, I spoke to him about them.

“But their names were already out and were being touted around by agents and the deals were done as a result of Des Johnston’s discussions with (Oldham chief executive) Chris Hamilton.”

Goal kicking winger Andy Ballard moved to Craven Park on a permanent two-year contract while James Coyle, Dave Allen and Danny Halliwell have joined on loan deals until the end of the season.


THE club has admitted defeat in trying to rearrange the friendly clash with Leeds Rhinos, originally due to be played in February. Supporters who bought tickets can call into the club offices on Lansdowne Road to pick up their refunds.