Diveney quits Roughyeds

MICK Diveney — left club

MICK Diveney has walked out of Oldham RL Club after losing his scrum-half spot to Carl Forber.

On-loan Forber was not allowed to play in Friday’s 18-16 defeat at Swinton under the terms of the Roughyeds agreement with the Lions.

Fans were puzzled by Danny Whitmore’s selection at scrum-half, but coach Tony Benson explained later that he could not consider Diveney, who had missed several training sessions after expressing his dissatisfaction at the situation.

The issue was further complicated, he said, because Diveney had recently been working in Durham and it had been costing him money to get to training.

Benson said: “Mick was progressing well, but once we signed Forber on loan he didn’t feel he was getting the games or the money he needed to justify travelling from Durham.

“He decided it wasn’t for him any more so he quit.

“He had become a valuable member of the squad, so I gave him a few days to reconsider, but he clearly demonstrated his intentions by not getting back to me.

“We must have competition for places and all players must be prepared to fight for a spot.

“Mick played in practically every game until Forber arrived and he then became one of three good half-backs at the club — a minimum requirement for the squad.

“He wanted to be playing every week, but no player can be guaranteed that.

“Danny Whitmore has had to miss out a few times recently, but he had a great game on Friday and proved that he also has the ability to be considered again as half-back back-up.

“We have also called up Jamie Dallimore from the reserves to train with us, with an eye on the future.

“He isn’t ready yet, but he’s getting there and it will speed his advancement if he spends time in the first-team environment.”

The club injury woes continue with Liam Gilchrist (ankle) and Chris Clarke (thumb) facing lengthy absences after being knocked about at Swinton.

Ben Wood was also in the wars, needing seven stitches in a gash on his chin.

Clarke is suffering from damaged ligaments in a thumb and he will see an orthopaedic surgeon on Friday amid fears that he could be out for several weeks.