Naylor loyalty praised by Roughyeds chairman

Oldham RL head coach Scott Naylor

Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton has saluted the loyalty shown by Scott Naylor as the club’s head coach begins a fifth season in charge and plots another tilt at promotion.

Former England and Bradford Bulls playing star Naylor (45) already has one promotion to rugby league’s second tier under his belt – in 2015 – and his new-look squad will hopefully be in the elevation mix this year following last October’s relegation from the Championship.

Naylor clearly has a strong affinity for Oldham – the club and the town.

Hamilton – who himself is now into his 21st year as chairman – said: “There’s no doubt Scott likes the club of course.

“It’s probably more for him to say what our relationship is like, but there is a strong mutual respect there and Scott is a very focused coach.

“He knows what he wants, and he knows what he wants from me and his players.

“That’s part of the reason why he has been successful.

“People do get him. They realise he’s a very honest guy, and he can be brutally honest at times, which some people can struggle with.

“But he is a good coach, there’s no doubt about that.

“We have limited resources here, but Scott is very good at getting the best out of those resources.”

Naylor is as determined as anyone at the Vestacare Stadium to bounce back to the Championship sooner rather than later.

“Scott wasn’t particularly relishing the prospect of going back into League One – none of us were – but he wanted to finish the job he’s started now,” added Hamilton.

“I’m obviously delighted that he has decided to stay with us.
“All we need now is for the people of Oldham to get behind what we’re trying to do.”