Quinn intent on keeping the faith

Roughyeds boss Bill Quinn

BILL Quinn believes that Oldham can yet claim an automatic promotion spot.

The blow of a 40-24 defeat at York at the weekend means that destiny is no longer in the club's own hands.

To go straight into National League One, Steve Deakin's side will probably have to win all four remaining matches while hoping for a further Barrow slip-up.

While admitting that it isn't the situation anyone at the club had hoped to be in at the start of the season, Quinn (pictured, left) is not yet abandoning hope of a top-two finish — but knows that a win at Doncaster tonight is a must.

"We have made it difficult for ourselves and there is no getting away from that, but our automatic promotion chances have certainly not gone yet," he said.

"We have still got four games to play and we have to win every one — it is that simple.

"The lads were very disappointed with the way things went at York, but we have to pick ourselves up and beat Doncaster.

"Then, if we follow that up by beating Barrow at home we pull level on points with them and they are the ones under pressure, with difficult games against Keighley and at Doncaster still to come.

"It is still all there for second place and we have to keep the faith. If we don't make it, then we will be well-placed for the play-offs — but obviously we would prefer to go up automatically.

"All is not lost. We need to win these four games, then it is in the lap of the Gods."

Off the pitch, Quinn's stated ambition of providing the Roughyeds with a home to call their own is described as an ongoing process and one that is likely to be examined further come the end of the season.

But given the owner's Super League goals, he is adamant that the club must start attracting better crowds that live up to the potential shown by the 2,806 spectators turning up at Boundary Park for the Doncaster game three weeks ago.

"We are still pushing forward (on the stadium) and still doing our best for the club," added Quinn.

"There is always progress, albeit slow, and it never stops. It hasn't been mothballed, but at this stage of the season we are concentrating on matters on the field.

"If we are lucky enough to get promoted, then we have signed a lot of players on two-year deals which would give us more of a chance to focus on other things, time that no one has got at the moment.

"We always get a contingent of support that turns up week-in, week-out and there was plenty of support for us at York, which was fantastic.

"And at the last home game, the atmosphere was just awesome. The lads really do appreciate the support.

"But we deserve more and if people want the club to succeed, go forward and bring in better quality then we need more support, or it won't happen."