Hamilton pleads Roughyeds case

ROUGHYEDS boss Chris Hamilton has made a personal plea to Oldham Council for help.

The owner, sole shareholder and chief executive of the club — currently with no ground to call home and no senior players on its books — appeared in front of Councillors Jackie Stanton (deputy leader) and John McCann, plus Council officials Elanie Joley and Mark Prestwich.

It remains to be seen whether Hamilton’s impassioned appeal will bear fruit in terms of council assistance in finding a ground within the boundaries of the borough now that the club has been denied use of Athletic’s Boundary Park stadium. But for now, Hamilton is simply pleased to have been able to state the club’s case.

“There is a lot of history behind the situation in which the club is in today .

“ I felt it was important that I should talk to the councillors and the council officials about what had happened historically in this whole episode,” he said, referring in part to the sale of Watersheddings and the failure to provide the rugby club with a permanent base thereafter.

“Our fans will naturally want to know what happened at the meeting. I can tell them that the club was grateful to the Council for giving me the opportunity to speak to them honestly and openly about the club’s position as it stands today.

“I explained how detrimental it was not to have a ground of our own and what a huge difference it would make if we were to have one in the future.

“I was looking to see if the Council was in a position to assist us in any way, shape or form and I am hopeful that something positive might come out of all this.

“As and when there are any further developments in our search for a ground to use in the coming season we will keep supporters fully informed.”

The club is currently waiting on a Rugby Football League green light over adjustments to proposed budgets before completing any player signings ahead of the start of training on Monday.

Roughyeds, meanwhile, have arranged a second pre-season friendly.

They will play Co-operative Championship side Batley Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant (2pm kick off) on Sunday, January 17.

That is two weeks after the Law Cup clash with derby rivals Hornets RL at Spotland on Sunday, January 3.