Burke’s reasons for Oldham move

Joe Burke

OLDHAM new boy Joe Burke was looking for “security and progression” when he left troubled North Wales Crusaders for a new start under Scott Naylor.

Newport-born Burke (25) was one of seven players to leave Wrexham-based Crusaders as a free agent because the club couldn’t honour its contractual agreements.

Burke, a tall front-row man, was his side’s players’ player of the year last year. He carried his club form on to the international scene with Wales, helping his country to beat France, Scotland and Ireland to qualify for the 2017 World Cup.

“First and foremost, my aims are to settle in at Oldham; to get to know the other lads and to get used to the systems,” he said. “It’s up to me to do right by the club, team-mates and coaching staff.

“It’s a sad situation at Crusaders, but it is what it is. It’s a short career and I need a bit of security - which I’ll get by joining Oldham.

“By playing in the Championship again I’m hoping to get back into the Wales squad, but first of all I’ve got to earn some recognition with my new club.

“I told Crusaders I would give it my all until the day I moved on — and I’ve played in each of their five games this year, right up to last Sunday.”


ROUGHYEDS have reduced normal admission prices for their fourth round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Cumbrian amateurs Kells at Bower Fold on Sunday week, March 20 (3pm).

Season tickets are not valid because it’s a shared gate, all pay on the day.

Seats: adults £14, concessions £12, under-16s £5; standing: adults £12; concessions £10; under-16s, £3.