Common goal for Roughyeds’ chairman and fans

OLDHAM RL club hopes that talks between fans and chairman Chris Hamilton last night have allayed some of the fans’ concerns about the club’s future.

Five supporters led by Mark Heywood had a 90-minute meeting at Whitebank with Hamilton and other club representatives. A second round of talks on June 1 may be attended by other stakeholders interested in the club's future success.

Said Hamilton: "It was a positive and fruitful meeting. I made it clear from the start that this was all about everyone pulling in the same direction, which is how the club will become more successful on and off the field.

“We discussed a range of topics about which the fans had expressed concerns, and the meeting was set to the fans' agenda rather than anything prepared by the club.

"Hopefully some of their fears will have been allayed but, realistically, this meeting was always going to be merely the start of a longer process. We have agreed to meet again in a few weeks.

"In the meantime, there will be things happening behind the scenes that will hopefully enable us to make progress together. As always there are several topics that at this stage have to remain confidential. But we aim to update everybody as soon as we can.

“It would be hugely encouraging to see more people at Whitebank on Sunday to watch our top-of-the-table side go for their fifth win in five matches against Gloucester All Golds.”

Heywood said afterwards: “We had wide-ranging discussions and explored several issues that were of concern to supporters. We asked challenging questions to clarify and address many of the rumours surrounding the club. Supporters and management alike will be able to map a way forward that will benefit both the club and its fans.”