Roughyeds signings imminent

ROUGHYEDS chief Chris Hamilton hopes to be in a position to confirm a number of new signings later this week, writes MATTHEW CHAMBERS.

Oldham’s owner continued to hold meetings with prospective players across the weekend and, with pre-season training due to begin next week under coach Tony Benson, is confident that things are starting to come together in terms of building a squad for the 2010 campaign.

“I would expect things to start moving in the next two or three days,” said Hamilton.

“There are still a handful of lads from last season’s squad who we have yet to speak to and meetings will be tied up with those players soon.

“We are also in a fortunate position where we are fielding calls from players who are keen to join us.”

While Oldham will begin their new season in Co-operative Championship One, the position remains unclear regarding the future of Gateshead Thunder.

The financially stricken north-east club — whose holding company is set to go into liquidation — have a meeting with the RFL on Wednesday to discuss their future and may request to drop down a division from the Championship.

That could mean a reprieve for relegated Leigh, who expect to receive clarification on their position from the governing body this week.

Former Oldham second row forward Dave Allen has re-signed for Widnes Vikings from Barrow.