Oldham RL outline Super League ambitions

Chairman Bill Quinn and managing director Mike Ford have outlined Oldham RLFC's Super League bid, on a brand new episode of The Boundary Line.

The Roughyeds have notified the Rugby Football League of their intention to submit an application this month to be considered for a spot in an expanded competition, with chairman Quinn promising "a very strong case for Oldham going into Super League".

Oldham were set to clinch a top-four Championship finish on Sunday with victory over Doncaster at Boundary Park, less than 12 months after gaining promotion as League 1 champions. 

And speaking alongside Ford on the club's fast-growing YouTube channel Roughyeds TV, Quinn gave a passionate update to supporters.

"Would we have maybe preferred another season, another year? Yes of course we would, but that is not on the table," he said. 

"With what is on the table in front of us, Oldham is as ready as anybody else. 

"I have seen the criteria, and we will put together a very strong case for Oldham going into Super League.

"We have spoken to sponsors and to companies who are willing to back us and sign contracts if we get into Super League.

"From a financially sustainable point of view we are in a very good position and we will be putting together the strongest case.

"What a great achievement, just over two and a half years ago since Mike and the guys took over the club and then I came in in May.

"To think that we are sat here talking about putting an application in for Super League - Oldham - after 27 years away. 

"The dreams are there but now we are turning them into reality, and we will keep turning dreams into reality at Oldham and we will keep prospering.

"I feel that we have come so far in such a short space of time, we know how to move fast. And we might just move faster than anybody else."

Quinn has applauded the passionate Oldham fans as a big reason for other Super League clubs to want the Roughyeds in the top flight.

"Oldham has one of the strongest away supports so if I am a Super League club then you want Oldham coming in because you know they will bring fans, spend money and enhance your club and every other club," he said.

"And we don't want to just be in Super League, we want to be a force in Super League, on the terraces and on the pitch."

Managing director Mike Ford says he wants Oldham to once again have a proud rugby league legacy, and mix it with the best in British rugby league.

"We feel we have got as good a chance as any other club," he said.

"It is going to be a tough competition, but we have shown on the field that we are more than ready.

"The other big thing is financial sustainability so if we can prove that, with Bill as our backer, then we have as good a chance as anyone.

"I just want all of Oldham to be proud of what we have achieved and where we can go with this - getting Wigan, Saints and Hull KR at Boundary Park to feel like it used to be at Watersheddings.

"Who wouldn't want to stand toe-to-toe with the big boys again? I want to see the Rochdale Road end full of red and white, to be behind what we are doing on this fantastic journey."

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