Coach: Roden set for big season

OLDHAM coach Tony Benson always expected influential stand-off Neil Roden to sign a new deal.

The 30-year-old was pursued by Keighley Cougars boss and good friend Barry Eaton, but instead put pen to paper on a one-year contract.

Benson said: “I always felt Neil would be with us again. He didn’t want to go

anywhere else, although one or two clubs were interested — not just Keighley.

“He is a key part of our club. We saw what happened last year on the odd occasions he didn’t play.

“He has been working hard through the off season with his cousin Martin Roden (assistant coach and conditioner) and I know he is setting out his stall to have another big year in 2011.”

Roden first signed for Oldham as a 19-year-old in 2000. He enjoyed a four-and-a-half-year spell with the club, before spending two seasons away.

He returned to the Roughyeds for the 2007 campaign, and hasn’t looked back since.

Roden, who has made a club record of 250 appearances, is to take his tally of games for Oldham up to 300 before retiring.

Benson added: “It would have been a huge loss if Neil had gone, but we had no cause to have too many concerns. Oldham is his club. He’s very loyal and supportive.

“He is one of the leading players in the division, but he is also a good person to have around. He has a cool head in a crisis.”