Hamilton’s salute for fans’ scheme

FANS who contribute to Squad Strengthener helped Oldham RL Club to secure the services of highly-rated hooker Adam Files on a one-year contract, club chairman Chris Hamilton has revealed.

Files (21) was the club’s second highest try-scorer with 15 last season, while on long-term loan from Super League club Salford.

To make him a fully-fledged Oldham player on contract this year, Roughyeds had to compete with clubs in the higher Championship division.

Liam Gilchrist, now at Rochdale, and Richard Lepori, who has moved to Australia, have been cut from the wage bill, but replaced by new signings Paddy Mooney, Danny Whitmore, Brett Robinson and Ben Wood.

Said Hamilton: “Squad Strengthener was a great help last year and it has come up trumps again this time. The club is extremely grateful to everyone involved.”

The Oldham Roughyeds’ Supporters’ Association (ORSA), which organises Squad Strengthener, says any assistance fans can provide is of great value to the club.

ORSA details: Sheila Somerville at g.s.someville@ntlworld.com