Ford back in the fold

ROUGHYEDS have secured the services of Jon Ford from Salford Red Devils — for the FIFTH time.

With tomorrow’s transfer deadline looming, the club has moved quickly to sign up the free-scoring centre on loan to the end of the season.

It is a huge boost for coach Scott Naylor’s side as it gears up for Sunday’s trip to promotion rivals North Wales Crusaders. Ford’s previous loan period earlier the season ended when he damaged a finger.

Whitebank has become a second home for Ford in recent years, and he is a popular figure among players and spectators alike.

Naylor said: “We know all about Jon’s strengths from his previous spells with us. It says a lot that once he was fit again he wanted to be back playing again - and if that wasn’t to be with Salford, he wanted to come back to Oldham.

“He will provide added competition for places as we approach some very important matches. The added bonus is that we don’t need to spend any time integrating him into our systems.”

Ford is expected to come straight into the reckoning for this weekend’s big clash at The Racecourse.