Oldham Rugby Club chairman joy at long-awaited promotion

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A jubilant Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton (photos by Dave Murgatroyd

ROUGHYEDS’ PROMOTION to the Championship has been a moment to savour for club chairman Chris Hamilton.

And it was reward for the man who resurrected the Rugby League club 18 years ago following the demise of the Bears.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for Mr Hamilton, especially after losing in the promotion play offs six times in eight years before finally making it to the Championship.

He explained: “It has been a long time coming and we have been so near and yet so far on numerous occasions which has made it extra special.

“It was also very satisfying as our division was its toughest ever with five clubs coming down from the Championship.

“There were potentially eight clubs chasing the five play-off spots, and some pundits thought we wouldn’t even make them.”

Roughyeds had a season to remember culminating in a club record run of 14 straight wins at the end of the campaign which carried them over the line.

Mr Hamilton added the last 18 years have been testing, both on and off the field with finances tight and having a number of homes as they have sometimes led a nomadic existence.

He continued: “It has been challenging without any shadow of doubt, but we have kept going.

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Assistant coach Lee Spencer (left) and coach Scott Naylor with the championship trophy (photos by Dave Murgatroyd)

“This is our first taste of success since the club was formed, and it is all the more sweeter in view of what has gone on.”

Roughyeds have operated in the third tier of the sport throughout, apart from one short spell when the second and third divisions were briefly amalgamated to form one big league.

Mr Hamilton views the Championship as a massive step up, but another challenge that he relishes.

He said: “It will be difficult as we will be playing teams that are much bigger than ourselves and that have played in the Super League.

“We aren’t moaning about it and have set ourselves goals that we believe are achievable.

“We have the core of a successful side, a young bunch of lads who are keen to learn, have a good work ethic and test themselves in the Championship.”

Mr Hamilton also praised the coaching team of coach Scott Naylor and his No 2 Lee Spencer for transforming the fortunes of the team.

He said: “I took a punt with Scott who had lost his job at Salford and he was missing the game.

“He has shown he is an able and capable coach and this was only the first of a three-year contract, and he is looking to test himself against Championship clubs.”

Mr Hamilton added that he is hoping Championship rugby will woo back fans.

“It is a more established northern league when you look at clubs like Featherstone, Halifax and Leigh and they will have good followings,” he explained.

One of the major hurdles is to find a new ground as the Whitebank Stadium is not suitable for Championship rugby.

Mr Hamilton explained that this ought to be resolved soon, though he cannot say anything more at this stage for confidentiality reasons

“Once we clear one hurdle, we get another one put in front of us, but that is part of the challenge at this level.”

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Celebrating the play-off final victory (photos by Dave Murgatroyd)