Captain hits back at club fold rumours
Reporter: KEITH McHUGH
Date published: 21 February 2012
Chris McDonnell: Rumours harming us.
Cricket:
OLDHAM Cricket Club’s attempts to bolster their first-team squad for the 2012 Lake Garage CLL season are being scuppered by rumour mongers.
The Pollards club’s financial struggles in recent seasons have been well documented.
And it is that factor and the spreading of exaggerated reports of the problem which is putting off would-be players, says first-team skipper Chris McDonnell.
“The truth of the matter is that the money is actually in place for the season,” said McDonnell.
“The club in general and the cricket section is doing OK compared to previous years, but players who have said they are interested in joining us have been put off because they have been told we are about to fold.
“That’s simply not the case, but the rumours are harming us and we really could do with another half-a-dozen players.
“The uncertainty over the strength and consistency of the first-team squad means there is no point in me splashing out on a professional just yet.
“We have a lot of decent kids in the youth teams, but many of them have exams this year which will leave us short for the first XI.
“If anyone wants to join us, they can be assured that we are not going to fold. The finances of the cricket club are in place.”
Any player interested in joining Oldham should contact McDonnell on 0791 9368727.
Alternatively, just go along to indoor nets at Blue Coat School on Monday nights (7pm-8pm).
There are also plenty of places in the youth set-up under the scrutiny of first-team vice-captain Paul Thompson.
Junior indoor nets are being held alongside the senior practice and any parents interested in enrolling their children can call Thompson on 0756 5531409.
JOSH Butler, who spent the last two seasons as Friarmere’s professional, has switched to Saddleworth for 2012.
The Australian left-arm orthodox spinner will play as an overseas amateur for the Well-i-Hole club.
Butler claimed 57 wickets in his debut campaign at Friarmere in 2010 and followed with 67 last term.
