Roughyeds announce 2024 fixtures and full-time role for director Walker

Oldham RLFC will kick off their 2024 League One campaign with an away trip to Workington Town on March 17 (3pm kick-off).

The Roughyeds were victorious in their two games against the West-Cumbrian side last season with a 28-18 away win and a 40-24 victory in the club’s first game back at Boundary Park.

Looking to improve on their fifth-place finish, Workington have signed the experienced championship winger – and former Roughyed – Dave Eccleston as well as Tyler Walton from Newcastle and Connor Saunders from Barrow, amongst others.

Roughyeds’ first home game will be on Easter Sunday (March 31), 3pm kick-off, against local rivals Rochdale Hornets.

“It’s going to be exciting and I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Roughyeds boss Sean Long.

“We’ve got a couple of friendlies, the 1895 Cup and some Challenge Cup games to start off the season, before we play Workington and then Rochdale.

“We’re hoping for a really good atmosphere and we want Boundary Park to be bouncing when we play Rochdale in our first home game.

“There’s some ex-Oldham lads in their squad, which adds a bit of extra spice.

“We’re going to be taking it one game at a time and seeing where we are at each week.”

Rounding off the first five fixtures are away trips to Hunslet and Midlands as well as a home fixture against Cornwall.

Included in the club’s 20 League One fixtures, will be four loop fixtures – two home and two away.

Oldham will travel to Workington and Keighley twice and play Newcastle and Cornwall twice at home.

Part-way through the year, Roughyeds have a run of five away games on the trot but finish off the season with four home games out of five.

The final round of League One will take place on September 1, with Oldham at home to Workington Town.

Full fixture details can be found on the Roughyeds' official fixture listing page here

Meanwhile, Oldham have announced the appointment of director Haydn Walker to a full-time role with the club.

Walker brings over 40 years’ experience having worked in coaching, development and administration roles over the years.

He was the assistant boss back when Mike Ford was head coach, during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

During that time, he also ran the club’s lottery and delivered coaching sessions in local schools.

After leaving Oldham, he moved to the RFL as a Talent and Coaching Development Manager.

He has links with Roughyeds boss Long, whom he coached in the all-conquering Wigan Warriors’ academy side.

“I am truly living the dream at the moment,” said Walker.

“People will not know that Simon Winnard and myself looked to buy the club over a decade ago.

“We had an NRL club interested in buying the club, but unfortunately that never happened.

“However, when Fordy asked me to join him this time, I thought about it for about two seconds and said I was in.”

In terms of his role this time round, he will be heavily involved with the club’s Community Foundation, IMG grading, social media strategy.

Walker will also assume the administrative responsibilities currently managed by Ford.

“The boots will not be going on this time round,” he added.

“I am really excited by what we are trying to achieve – the club has been a sleeping giant for too long.

“The talent that the community game produces can, and will, see the club play at the highest level.”

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