Roger Halstead announced as Roughyeds club president

Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton (left) with the club's new president Roger Halstead

Roger Halstead, voluntary media manager of Oldham Rugby League Club, has been elevated to club president.

Chairman Chris Hamilton said: "Roger is steeped in the Roughyeds. The club has been a large part of his life. He was rugby league writer for the Oldham Evening Chronicle for more than 40 years and since his retirement in 2006 he's been voluntary media manager of the club."

Roger, 82 next month, will continue as media manager but will take less of a hands-on role.

He said: "This is a great honour -- a classic case of poacher turned gamekeeper but one, nevertheless, that leaves me honoured, humbled and blown away.

"I've always put Roughyeds and work second only to my wife Val and my family in life's priorities. After them, and my wider family, the club means everything to me.

"In the best part of 60 years at Roughyeds, I've met lots of very good players, a few greats, but hundreds more who always put in a shift, always gave of their best and always had the greatest respect for colleagues, opponents, match officials and fans.

"It's known as the family game for very good reasons -- and as president of a club like Oldham, one of the sport's founder members in 1895, I'm as proud as anyone could ever be."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.