Positive Hamilton believes in new group
Reporter: Chris Lynham
Date published: 01 December 2010
CHRIS Hamilton reckons Roughyeds are in for an exciting Co-operative Championship One season following the arrival of six new players.
The chairman anticipates a tough test due to the strength of relegated duo Whitehaven and Keighley, but thinks new boys Tom Woodcock, John Clough, Andy Isherwood, Liam Gilchrist, Ben Wood Jack Bradbury bring added quality to Tony Benson’s squad.
Woodcock became the latest arrival this week, following former team-mate Clough from Blackpool.
“A combination of the players we have already retained, and the ones we have brought in, makes us excited about the new season,” said Hamilton.
“Everyone is looking forward to seeing them in action.
“We know 100-per-cent that we have a group of players who are here for the right reasons.
“Every single one of them is fully dedicated to the cause and to what we are trying to achieve.
“The league is going to be a tough one because Keighley and Whitehaven are bound to be strong.
“People who have watched us on a regular basis will know that this is not an easy division.
“Hopefully we can at least have more of the same relative success we have enjoyed of late.”
Hamilton is more philosophical when he reflects on last season’s bitterly disappointing play-off final loss to York.
He added: “We have a habit of losing play-off finals and the last one was the worst of the lot.
“But as time goes by you gain a bit of perspective. It came at the end of a very good season.
“Everyone connected to the club is ready for the challenges 2011 will bring. We realise the competition is strong but there is no reason why we can’t do well.”
Roughyeds’ presence at the Whitebank Stadium should also not be underestimated, according to Hamilton.
He said: “The move to Whitebank was important for this club and looking forward to a full season there makes a big difference.
“For the first time as Oldham Roughyeds, all of our home matches will be played in Oldham.
“When you think about it, that is monumental for the club and the supporters.”
