Oldham struggle to boost squad

BEN SERU (right): On the comeback trail with the Roughyeds. Pic courtesy of The Soldier

NO NEWS is bad news for Oldham as the search for new players continues to prove frustrating.

Chief executive Chris Hamilton and coach Tony Benson have had little luck as yet bolstering a squad which currently numbers 23 senior players, with three of those men — Marcus St Hilaire (Achilles and calf), Phil Joseph (hamstring) and Craig Robinson (swine flu) currently out of contention.

To add to the problems ahead of a crucial Co-operative Championship One game away to play-off hopefuls Blackpool on Sunday, the future of two of the newest additions to the line-up also appears uncertain.

Andy Boothroyd, whose initial one-month loan spell from Sheffield Eagles runs out next week, has struggled to attend training sessions due to work commitments, and the future of stop-gap Australian centre Jamie Russo is still up in the air.

“The situation with Andy Boothroyd isn’t ideal but we knew about it when he signed and he helped us out of a hole there,” said Mr Hamilton.

“We are working to resolve the situation with Jamie Russo as well.

“I and Tony Benson have spoken to a lot of Super League and Championship clubs about players but for a variety of reasons they aren’t able or willing to let people go out on loan.

“But we are still on with it and trying.”

One player who may soon feature in Benson’s plans is Ben Seru. The Fijian winger, who has had a full knee reconstruction, came through his first training session with no problems on Tuesday and will take part again tonight before playing for the reserves away at Leigh (noon kick-off, at Twist Lane) on Saturday.