Roden happy to stay

NEIL RODEN... rejected move to Keighley Cougars.

MASTER craftsman Neil Roden has turned down Keighley Cougars to sign a new one-year contract with the Roughyeds.

The 30-year-old stand-off, who has made a club record 250 appearances, was seriously tempted by the Cougars offer.

He said: “It was a close call. I played alongside Keighley boss Barry Eaton at Batley and I have a lot of time for him. He also offered me a very good deal.

“It was a tough decision, but I had a few chats with Chris Hamilton (Oldham chairman) and I took time to weigh up the pros and cons. I am very contented now and confident that I have made the right decision.

“At this stage of my career I don’t want to play anywhere other than at Oldham. I’ve been happy at the club in two separate spells spanning 10 years.

“I would like to end my career at the Whitebank Stadium. I’m planning to play for two more seasons and I’ve set myself a couple of goals — to chalk up 300 games for Roughyeds and to enjoy promotion celebrations.

“I’ve signed for one more year, but if all goes well and they still want me for 2012 I’d like to aim for 300 games before hanging up my boots.”

Roden joined Oldham as a 19-year-old in 2000. He spent four-and-a-half seasons at the club, then had two seasons away before returning for the start of the 2007 .

He added: “I’m looking forward to the new season. I think there will be more expectation this year than there was last, but we are building a good squad and I don’t think the club has finished its recruiting yet.

“They seem to be going for more young Oldham lads, like they did last year, and I think that’s the right way to go. The local boys did brilliantly last season.”