Knock-on effect suits Sam

Photo: Darren Robinson

PIECE OF CAKE... Sam Molineux celebrates his landmark with a special treat.

70 years an Oldham RU fan
ANYTHING can happen in the unpredictable world of sport.

But Oldham Rugby Union Football Club has had one ever-present feature come rain or shine for the last 70 years: longest-serving member, Sam Molineux.

A party on Saturday celebrated an end-of-season milestone that saw Sam, from Failsworth, complete an astonishing 70 continuous years as an active member.

“He came down as a 14-year-old and has been with the club ever since,” said Oldham president Paul Walsh as he hailed Sam’s sterling service over the decades.

The 84-year-old has held countless roles from player to president.

Sam played during the Second World War and after signing up to the RAF in 1944 he returned to the club when the war was over.

He played in the lower sides until the borough team was formed, taking the captain’s role for the ‘A’ team from 1955 until 1959 after which he looked after the Colts until 1984.

He was also social secretary in 1958, the local sports council representative, had a term as bar secretary and was responsible for the early coaching of many of the successful first teams of the Jim Hall era.

He served as chairman for three years before becoming president in 2002 for two years.

Even after he stopped playing, he refereed the lower sides and was always available to assist.

Sam has witnessed many changes over the decades, including the club moving from Keb Lane to Manor Park.

Mr Walsh said: “He was in the RAF, but got back to the club as often as he could.

“I think it’s admirable that someone can stay like that. All clubs have difficulty holding on to members because there’s other things, such as moving house, and to have someone like Sam around for so long is great.

“There’s still a number of people of his generation associated with the club, but to still be coming down every week is brilliant. Everyone knows Sam and every club should have someone like Sam.

“He has the appearance of Norman Wisdom and that sort of jovial, happy character.

“He’s always giving advice to people. He helped me out when I was second-team captain and we were on a long losing streak. He told me to stick at it and the second half of the season was great.

“He was one of the members who brought in the theory that presidents should be a rolling thing every two years to keep blood moving through the club.”

Saturday’s event took place before the first team played Blackburn, with guests enjoying a buffet and a chance to share stories about Sam.