FAN-TASTIC!

Home is where the heart is for Roughyeds

TABLE-TOPPING Oldham RL have become the best supported club in Co-operative Championship One since their move to the Whitebank Stadium last month.

Figures show that home crowds have nearly doubled at Whitebank compared to those at Sedgley Park earlier in the season.

Five out-of-town home games at the Whitefield venue averaged 480 per match — par for the course across the 11-club division.

Attendances at Oldham games have increased significantly, however, since the club set up home again in the borough.

An aggregate of 3,774 fans have watched the Roughyeds' four games at Whitebank, producing an average of nearly 950 per game.

Club officials are confident that figure will top the 1,000 mark by the end of the season with four home league games still to come — plus possible play-off ties — including derbies against Swinton Lions and Hornets RL.

"Oldham apart, few teams have away followings in this division yet two of our four games at Whitebank have topped 1,000 and we were nearly there again with 923 against Blackpool last Sunday," said chairman Chris Hamilton.

"It's a sign of the times that we are talking up attendances of around 1,000, but these are tough times. You can only compare like with like and every other club in the division would die for the crowds we are now getting at Whitebank.

"It will take a while for Whitebank to feel totally like home-from-home, but all the signs are extremely encouraging.

“ The fans love being close to the action and close to the players, both on the field and in the club.”