Oldham RL in mourning

OLDHAM RL supporters will be saddened to hear of the passing of lifelong fan Dave Whitehead.

Whitehead, who was 66, was a regular feature on the terraces at Oldham’s former Watersheddings home.

He also helped organise supporter trips to Australia and France most notably, and back in the 1990s even enjoyed a spell assisting the club coaching staff. He played a behind-the-scenes role when Oldham ‘A’ went through the ’93-94 season unbeaten.

Whitehead was a founder member and latterly Trustee of the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust.

Meanwhile, former Oldham and Swinton loose-forward Gordon Haynes (pictured) has died, aged 86.

Former Orford Tannery (Warrington) junior Haynes joined Oldham from Swinton during the 1959-60 season.

He made his Oldham debut against Dewsbury at Watersheddings on December 19, 1959, in a league championship match which Oldham went on to win 46-7.

However, he only played 11 first-team matches in the famous red and white hoops because he was plagued by knee problems which resulted in him leaving the club at the end of his debut season.