Thompo’s fresh challenge

LIAM THOMPSON

AFTER losing out in 2013 and 2014, Scott Naylor’s Oldham RL players felt huge relief when they beat Keighley to win promotion this year says workaholic forward Liam Thompson.

Speaking after signing a new contract, Thompson added: “For most of us it was achieved at the third time of asking. It was a fantastic feeling, but it contained a lot of relief after our disappointments in the two previous finals. It was a case of wow, we’ve finally done it!”

Thompson (23) has since spent several weeks touring Europe but has now returned to prepare for pre-season training later this month.

Having enjoyed by far the best of his three seasons at Whitebank, it was a given that he would be offered a new deal – and that he would sign.

Injury restricted him to 16 games in 2013 and 12 in 2014, but this year he played consistently in all but one of the Roughyeds’ 28 games and was a strong contender for Naylor’s player of the year.

“I’m delighted Thompo is staying with us, because he’s a quality forward with an outstanding attitude and work ethic. He’s a tough cookie, he never knows when he’s beaten or tired and he’s going to be a big player for us in the Championship.”

Liam said: “This year the more games I played the more confident I got - and it obviously helped that the team was playing so well. The Championship will be a big hurdle to conquer, but the core of the side will be the same. I’m quietly confident we’ll be okay.”