Spanner in the works

Scott Naylor: big fan of his new number two’s commitment

LEE Spencer, a member of the Salford City Reds coaching staff for nine years, has joined Oldham RL as new head coach Scott Naylor's second in command.

Like Naylor, with whom he worked at The Willows, 50 year old Spencer will be on a two-year contract.

He was being introduced by the Roughyeds at Whitebank today.

Spencer, or “Spanner” as he is known in the sport, has been coaching for 20 years.

Naylor is delighted to be joined again by the man who was at his side with Salford's second team.

Naylor said: "I jumped at the chance to approach Spanner as soon as I knew he was available. I didn't want anyone else to beat me to him. He's quality - as a coach and as a person.

"He gives 100-per-cent in everything he does. He lives and sleeps the game and he pulled off a fantastic achievement last year when he guided Salford under-20s to second in the league against top-quality opposition from Super League's leading clubs.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him again as together we face the challenge of leading Oldham to better and brighter things."

A Folly Lane player until he was 41, Spencer has been heavily involved in RFL coaching schemes for the past two decades.

"We go back a long way. We speak every day and we've already started to build a good. young squad at Oldham,” said Naylor.

“I'm a huge believer in youth, but we need some experience as well and Scott will see that we have it.”