Roden runs rule over reserves

Photo: PICTURE: ANTHONY MILLER

OLDHAM caretaker coach Martin Roden gets his point across at training last night.

MARTIN Roden will be on reserves watch at Halifax tonight before finalising his plans for Oldham’s clash with Doncaster at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm).

He will be check the form of John Gillam, Liam Gilchrist and Mark Brocklehurst while hoping younger, less experienced players also impress.

“I’ve had good reports of one in particular,” said Roden, in charge of the team since Monday.

“I won’t be naming a line-up for two reasons — I want to play my cards close to my chest and I need to look at what we have available in the reserves before I do anything. That’s important.”

Roden has confirmed that Lucas Onyango will be back on the wing after six weeks out with hamstring injuries.

Onyango said: “I’m buzzing. I’ve been out for weeks and it has been hard watching the side going through a bad patch. I’ve had loads of rehab and physio. I’ve worked hard to get back to 100 per cent, but I’m pain free now and all ready to go. This is the final push.”

Roden added: “I’ve been pleased at the way the boys have reacted to my appointment and to the changes I’ve introduced in training and match preparation. I’ve not altered things much — just a few tweaks.

“I’ve only got three league games in which to make a difference, so I’m concentrating mainly on motivation and rediscovering a sense of pride.”

Roden will have 21 players to choose from, plus any who may catch his eye from the reserves.



THE winners of tonight’s reserve-team play-off tie between Halifax and Oldham at The Shay (8pm) will go to Featherstone in the final next Saturday, August 18 (5.30pm kick-off).




READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions



Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle