Come in Oldham

GROUNDS for optimism . . .Oldham Roughyeds are keen to take over the licence at Chadderton FC’s Broadway ground

OLDHAM Roughyeds are closing in on a deal to take over the licence at Chadderton Football Club.

It could be the dawn of an exciting new era for the rugby league club, ending a lengthy search for a home after losing their Watersheddings ground 12 years ago.

The Roughyeds, who have endured a nomadic existence since 1997, intend to use the Broadway ground as a training centre as well as for playing reserve team games.

They stress that there are no plans to play first-team games there.

As a condition of taking over the licence from Oldham Council, who own the ground, the Roughyeds would have to ensure Broadway remains the home of Chadderton FC, who play in the first division of the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

Roughyeds issued a statement confirming they are in negotiations with various parties to obtain a licence for the Broadway ground.

It read: “The situation has been on-going for a significant period of time and, in accordance with club policy, all discussion and negotiation has been done on a strictly confidential basis.

“Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the club’s control, we have been informed that this situation has been made public before negotiations are concluded.

“This is potentially a very exciting opportunity for the club and for everyone connected with it.

“We would like to stress to local residents, supporters of Chadderton FC and fans of Oldham RLFC that our use of this facility won’t be for first-team matches.

“Our intention is to involve local residents in discussions about the site to allay any fears they may have as a result of incorrect rumours and assumptions that have been doing the rounds over the past few months.

“Once contracts have been signed by the relevant parties, we hope to be in a position to invite our fans, local residents, councillors and anyone else interested in the development of the site, to a series of meetings.

“While acknowledging that our interest in Broadway is now in the public domain, the club will be making no further comment until the negotiations are concluded.” Paul Jones, secretary at Chadderton FC, is excited about the link with Roughyeds, which will end a period of great uncertainty.

Since previous owners Tony Bhatti and Craig Halliwell withdrew their financial backing more than 12 months ago — leaving the club with sizeable debts — the future has appeared bleak.

Mr Jones said: “We are very grateful to Oldham Roughyeds for coming in. It could turn out to be an excellent deal for us.

“They are keen for us to stay and have been brilliant already, helping us in many areas.

“The link-up will also give us much-needed stability.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said: “An agreement on the future of the ground is on-going.

“As landowner, Oldham Council is helping with the discussions that are taking place and a full statement will be made once an agreement has been reached. Currently, the council is operating under an agreement of confidentiality with the parties involved.”




Since Oldham RLFC was formed in 1997, they have played home fixtures at Boundary Park, Rochdale, Stalybridge Celtic, Ashton United, Chorley and Sedgley Park.