Benson’s chance to stay on

DEFEATED and deflated Roughyeds coach Tony Benson has been given the chance to carry on with Oldham for next season, writes MATTHEW CHAMBERS.

Understandably, Benson didn’t want to be drawn on his future in the immediate aftermath of a hugely disappointing 25-4 play-off final defeat to York.

But Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton has revealed that preliminary talks have already taken place with a view to the popular former Leigh and London Skolars coach staying at the club for a third crack at promotion.

“Tony and I spoke about him staying on before the end of the season and there is no reason why that is going to change,” said Hamilton.

Oldham’s chairman admitted he was completely drained by the experience of watching the team falter so unexpectedly at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The defeat means that the club won’t be able to retake its place in the professional game’s second tier until at least 2012 — a particularly tough pill to swallow in the context of a season which, up to the final day, had progressed so well.

“It is a very strange feeling,” admitted Hamilton. “Everyone has said how far we have come in a short space of time, having our own ground (the Whitebank Stadium) and doing so well to finish second in the table.

“I recognise that is true, but at the same time, the sense of disapppointment is huge.

“I don’t think anyone saw it coming — and that is not a criticism of anyone, it’s just a fact.”

Hamilton also paid tribute to the supporters who flocked to Warrington as the Roughyeds players tried to put four years of heartbreak to bed.

“I am massively disappointed for all the fans who turned up,” said Hamilton.

“The noise they made was absolutely superb.

“I don’t want to take anything away from York either. The score reflected their own efforts and you have to credit them and the game plan they employed.”

Ahead of next season, Oldham currently have three players — Jason Boults, Dave Ellison and Johnny Walker — signed up and contract talks will now ensue to build a squad for 2011.

Details of scheduled ground improvements to the Whitebank will be made public in the coming weeks.