Stick by us, fans told

Luke Stenchion

OLDHAM RL chairman Chris Hamilton has urged fans to keep the faith as Roughyeds bid to get back to winning ways against London Skolars at the Whitebank Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick off).

Three defeats in a row have plummeted Tony Benson’s injury-ravaged squad to third from bottom of Co-operative Championship One with only Skolars and Gateshead Thunder beneath them.

Skolars have signed second-row man Lamont Bryan and winger Jack Latus from Harlequins RL on loan and both scored on debut as the Londoners rattled top-of-the-table Swinton Lions on Sunday, losing only 38-30 and picking up their first point of the season.

Roughyeds hope to have new signing Luke Stenchion on show for the first time at prop and experienced backs duo Neil Roden and Marcus St Hilaire returning after injury.

They haven’t ruled out the possibility also of bringing in another new player in time to further boost the squad ahead of this must-win encounter.

Club chairman Hamilton, meanwhile, has promised fans in a rallying call that team and club WILL turn things round and that they will be stronger for the experience.

He said: “Fans are on a downer after the last three games and that’s understandable, but nobody is more disappointed than I am.

“We have contributed to our own downfall and some players have not performed as they should.

“However, I have learned over the years that although I have similar feelings to fans at times like this, my role as chairman demands that I have to make sure all other things associated with the club function as normal.

“That means we stick together and work even harder. And for those who are in a position to do something about the situation — coaches, players, staff and volunteers — it helps enormously to know that they have your confidence.

“We completed the Stenchion signing last week, but we have been frustrated in some of our attempts over the past few weeks to bring in reinforcements. It will happen, though, and I can say that, having had similar experiences over the years.

“Stenchion will demonstrate why we wanted to sign him and, hopefully, there will be at least one more new face at the club before weekend.”