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It was an absolute privilege to lead the club in 2021 the amount of difficulty we had to come though leading up to that season will always be etched on my mind but it was all worth it in the end and the final at DP was amazing for all of us .What I am trying to get to is the feeling for me is the same now as it was then we can do this . Let’s get right behind Greame, Gary , Maxi and Kerry in what could be an absolute stella season bring your marras down and get behind the lads we can do this again Leso UTT

Just noticed some of the results from this weekend's championship fixtures and they are quite surprising and started to make me think about how Oldham are doing back in the Championship, its had its ups and downs, a lot of fans have positive views, others not so positive therefore I thought I'd share my opinions and see if others agree or disagree. None of us are right or wrong, its all just opinions so for what its worth here's mine on the season so far. Last year in League 1 we pretty much walked it. Investment had been made in the playing squad and around 80% were Championship quality players and with the greatest respect to the other teams in League 1 if we had not won the title there would have been serious questions asked. In the end it was a pretty straight forward campaign and we won promotion at a canter with little fuss and with games to spare. We are now in the Championship which again with respect to other teams in League 1 is a whole different ball game. Oldham recruited well with experienced Super League players although the caveat to this was that they were with respect later in their careers (Adam Milner, Iain Thornley, Matty Ashurst, Gil Dudson & Josh Drinkwater), all cracking players although I think brought in more for their experience and game management skills. To this add a couple of younger additions in Lewis Baxter & Ben Forber, good players although i think we are yet to see the best out of these two. We therefore enter the season with a really good squad and hopes are high however expectations need to be realistic, yes we have spent a few quid and are there to be shot at but we along with Hunslet are the new boys so are both entering into the unknown. We start of the campaign proper against Barrow in the cup and blow them away, next up York, one of the fancied teams in the Championship and we again absolutely blow them out of the water, they just could not cope with an Oldham team who were on fire. At this point it is pretty clear that if Oldham have no injuries or suspensions (this comes to bite us on the a**e soon enough) then we are a match for anyone. We then play Batley in atrocious conditions, free flowing rugby was not on the agenda that day but we still came away with a draw thanks to JD's fantastic last minute goal kick. We then get back to winning ways at home in the next couple of games against Rochdale in the cup and then London in the league, both getting a good spanking by Oldham then a good hard fought away win at Sheffield. Mixed in with this was the defeat in the cup at Hull KR, admirable and hard working performance however this was against the current best team in Super League so not exactly unexpected. What was unexpected though was the defeat at Barrow, we'd already given them a pasting at BP however for some reason this game something felt odd about it with team selection, it was not a recognised first 1-17 and it showed with a totally disjointed performance and the only one this season where I voice criticism towards the team and coaching staff, was i justified in my criticism well that's down to others opinion but for some reason that game just did not sit well with me. Then at this point in the season (still early days) injuries and suspension seems to kick in and kick in BIG STYLE!!!!!! Every game since Sheffield away it seems Oldham have had to put out a make shift team with players playing out of position to cover gaps, dual registered from Wigan being parachuted in who have no idea how Oldham have trained and new signings again coming into a team that at the moment they have no idea how they play, what set moves they practised and so on. It feels that since Sheffield Sean Long has had one hand tied behind his back regarding team selection and has to just basically go with what he has got. Saying that though even with a nightmare injury list we have done pretty well:- Cup game against Barrow at BP - Barrow came with an air of confidence after a great start to the league campaign, they'd stuffed us at their place however Oldham prevailed and with a gutsy performance come away with a 38-24 victory League game against Featherstone at BP - yes you could argue we got out of jail in this one as Featherstone could not kick a goal for toffee but again with a make shift team Oldham came away with a 30-28 win. Featherstone are no pushovers, they are a decent Championship team who's current league position does not give a true reflection of how good they are. Putting it into context they gave Widnes at Widnes a damn good spanking today beating them 38-16 so they cant be that bad. League game against Widnes away - alright I'll concede this was not Oldham at their best but again with a make shift team they eke out a 10-10 draw, a point is a point at the end of the day so better than nothing League game against Bradford at BP - to say the side put out against the best side in the league was "make shift" would be an understatement!! The number of fans I spoke to in the bar before the game were very pessimistic. Those Oldham players out there though that night gave it their all and even though we lost 42-12 there was no shame and was very proud of Oldham's performance League game against Doncaster away - again not a classic but again a make shift Oldham team who put in a massive effort to come away with a 30-26 win (JD masterclass did help i admit!!). Like with Featherstone impressive performance today Doncaster totally stuffed Halifax at their place today 30-6 so again Doncaster were no pushovers and are a good team but Oldham prevailed and won a hard fought game. League game against Tolouse at BP - could not attend this one due to other commitments but from what i can gather, some players back but still nowhere near what the ideal Sean Long first 17 would be and they put in a spirited performance but were beaten by the better (full time) team. I think therefore from my perspective as an Oldham fan of 40+ years man and boy I'm more than happy with where we currently sit in the table (if I'm correct around 5th place with 12 points after 10 games - feel free anyone to correct me if i am wrong). If in an ideal world we had not suffered the horrific injury list that we have and also Jamah Sambu's suspension I personally think we could have been sitting pretty at the top (or very near) of the league, I feel that we are that good on our day. The real world however (and i appreciate it is the same for all teams in the Championship) can be cruel and the past 5 or so games have been pretty tough for Oldham but to be where we currently are is a testament to how good a job the players and the coaching staff are performing in the face of adversity. Yes before anyone from other clubs point it out I appreciate we have a wonderful chairman in BQ who at the moment will get the cheque book out to add reinforcements (Ben Davies, Ryan Lannon, Eloi Pelissier in the past couple of weeks) but any new players including dual reg will take time to bed in. With the best will in the world no newbie can work wonders in their first couple of games. If i had to field any criticism it would only be for two instances:- 1) The away game at Barrow, still think there was something more to this than what we were told but I'm probably reading too much into it and it was just a bad day at the office 2) The signing of Nene Macdonald - I initially thought it was fantastic however even though a really good player I felt his presence totally disjointed the team for the two games he played, no one knew what he was going to do and in the end I feel it just came across as a vanity signing. IF we though sign him when he comes back from Australia for the rest of the season I'll more than probably change my opinion Apart from that I feel everyone connected with Oldham, BQ / MF, the coaching and back room staff, the squad, George and the social media team and also the fans can be proud of where we currently are and what we have achieved this year so far. Yes as i say there have been bumps along the road and no doubt will be others as the season progresses but the squad that has been assembled, when all are fit and available and Sean Long is able to pick his best 1-17 then we are a match for anyone even Bradford & Tolouse so well done one and all, I'm massively proud to be an Oldham fan!!! Roll on Sunday and bring on Featherstone - you boys can do it I know you can, make Oldham proud and let us sing our famous song under the arch at Wembley GIVE US A "T" etc

Arrogance is the main issue. They always felt they are too big to be playing in league 1, are very anti expansion, and look down on clubs outside the heartlands. Instead of focusing on other clubs and blaming everyone else for their problems they should have been focusing on themselves. This arrogance has led them to sack various coaches and other staff when they were in a good position and now they have a rotten playing culture at the club. Hard to build a winning culture when you are sacking staff all the time.

Where would you play it? Wembley is the traditional home of the CC final and is the most famous stadium in the world, it’s a good thing for our sport to play there imho, and it’s not all about armchair seat counters.

How is them promoting inclusivity stopping them from running a rugby league club? It isn't in the slightest.

Was thinking watching the game, as the season has progressed in my opinion we have 5 key players who are arguably a little bit more important to our chances than others. Those 5 are Aikens (but only counting his games at full back as we all know he's less effective at half), Reynolds and Hampshire, and then our two impact forwards Springer and Vuniyayawa. We've played 9 league games and in none of those 9 have we had all 5 available. We had four of them when we played Doncaster, Oldham, York and Widnes, and we won three of those games and really should have won the Oldham game too with a bit to spare. We had 3 of them against Toulouse, 2 against London and Sheffield, and only one against Bradford and Halifax. To me having most or all of those 5 guys available is going to be key to how we fare over the rest of the season.

I want to say I'm surprised at some of the comments pointing at the inclusive nature of the club being the issue. But I'm not, because this is Rugby League, a game that enjoys to pretend it's inclusive.

Coventry Bears training nights are a sight to behold. Over a hundred boys and girls along with youth teams and open age mens and women's teams. Great to see the club bouncing back after dropping out of the professional game and thriving

Not sure those things are mutually exclusive and suspect there must be more to it.

What you don't get anymore are the numerous amateur club, pub and social club "Wembley trips" in the70s, 80s & 90s there was a Wembley special train on a Friday morning from Manchester Piccadilly jam packed with such trips and many pubs and clubs ran coach trips as well.

To be fair he's played very little since leaving town which has knocked him massively, couldn't get a game at Widnes, and struggled on his loan deals. Was loved at town and should have stayed put

Great post and woudnt argue with any of what you have said, found it a little frustrating at some games thie season, Mainly Doncaster away and a little but on Saturday how some people have been having a go in game at the players, I get emotions run high but not on one occasion this season have i left the game thinking the 17 that have played have let Oldham down in terms of work rate or playing for the badge. Been a great season so far enjoyed watching all the games including the defeats.

It could. I think you could play such a match anywhere in England and get a crowd. But - you have to do the work to promote it and I don't think the RFL has the know-how or the boots on the ground. England v Brazil in the women's world cup was a perfect example. OK, it was Leeds, but it was a game where you had dozens of primary schools turning up en masse - five figure crowd, great occasion, great atmosphere etc. for an 80-point mismatch. That could be repeated anywhere if you have people who can organise it. Leigh for the RLWC2021 games they hosted (and also the women's soccer world cup) is another example of how to turn an otherwise not particularly compelling international game into a great event with a build-up, flags and signage around the ground. The England v France games the RFL has staged in the same venues - Doncaster, Leigh etc. are perfect examples of how not to do it. Thing is, it needs to be in support of something. There's no point playing a game in Norwich unless you can also say - kids, if you want to play, go here. If you want to watch your local team, here's how. It would be interesting if say Bedford or Anglian Vipers were given the opportunity to piggyback off such a game.

I was worrying about this one on the way down and when Keighley scored first I thought we were in for a tough day. Towns reaction to going behind was great to watch, some superb tries and some of the best goal line defence I’ve ever seen from a Town team. I couldn’t pick any performances out as everyone from 1 to 17 were outstanding. We’ve finally got a great team to watch and I can only see us getting better. Let’s hope we get a few more down to DP the next couple of home games, the players and the board deserve it. UTT.

I liked Kyle Eastmonds interview where he was very clear saying that despite results we are not a top team in this division and we had been over performing. It is probably a good dose of realism for everyone at the club after the last 2 games. As a Fax fan I like that we are disappointed after the last two defeats and would have certainly taken our position now after last season.

Another win and another great performance by the Knights. These are great times to be a York RL fan as the Knights juggernaut continues to gather momentum. Next up Bradford Bulls with a place at Wembley up for grabs. Let’s make it a day to remember and get the place rocking. Up the rampant Knights!

I can guarantee you are the only person in this topic thinking about moving your super bowels

very nice video

Not when the 51k comes first, and the 58k is then followed by an increase the following year. That is quite literally the opposite of decline.

Every year we get this same reaction to playing at Wembley. Despite the last two decades of internationals and the 2022 cup final not selling out Spurs’ stadium showing that moving to a smaller venue doesn’t mean you’re more likely to sell it out. Yet we don’t get the same cry about empty seats for Magic Weekend, despite the fact that less % of tickets for the event are sold.

The Perth addition to the NRL has triggered an extremely rare mention of rugby league here in the Argentinian press. https://www.espn.com.ar/rugby/nota/_/id/15141492/rugby-national-rugby-league-argentinos-sudafricanos-los-pumas-7s-argentina-springboks A rough translation: Is Australian Rugby League Setting Its Sights on Argentine Players? With the upcoming addition of two new teams, the Perth Bears in 2027 and a Papua New Guinea franchise the following year, the National Rugby League (NRL) must recruit at least 60 more elite-level players to maintain the tournament's competitiveness. In this context, clubs are already exploring new markets, and Australian media outlets claim that Argentine rugby—along with South African rugby—is positioned as an attractive breeding ground for the 13-a-side format. Traditionally focused on Australia and New Zealand, NRL clubs are expanding their radar to South Africa, and increasingly, Argentina. Talents such as Marcos Moneta—named World Sevens Player of the Year in 2021—and Mateo Carreras—a winger who shines for Bayonne in France and Los Pumas—have caught the attention of several scouts, according to Dean Ritchie in an article published in the Daily Telegraph. The speed, power, and technical training of these players, who come from both Rugby Union and Sevens, fit perfectly with the profile sought by NRL clubs: explosive three-quarters, accustomed to the contact and intense pace of international competition. In that sense, the Argentines are not alone. South African figures such as Canan Moodie and the young Gino Cupido are also mentioned, as well as Australians Max Jorgensen, Corey Toole, and Tom Wright. But beyond sporting performance, the interest in Argentines and South Africans also reflects a broader strategy: the NRL is willing to open up to new international markets. Incorporating figures from countries with a long rugby tradition can not only raise the competitive level, but also attract new audiences, increase the league's commercial value, and project its brand globally. The best events in the world of rugby can be enjoyed live on Disney+. This expansion coincides with an increase in the NRL salary cap, which will reach 15 million Australian dollars per club per year. This will allow franchises to offer much more lucrative contracts to international stars and make Australian Rugby League an increasingly attractive alternative for those currently playing in European leagues or in Japan. Reports indicate that clubs value the fact that these players have already competed at the highest level, whether in international tests, the Olympic Games, or European championships, and that they could quickly adapt to the format. Moneta and Carreras are not the only ones being eyed. There is a growing appreciation for the Argentine development system, especially for its ability to develop players. In a context where the NRL must grow without sacrificing quality, seeking talent in other regions may be both a necessity and a strategic opportunity.

Can you give examples as to why it didn’t stop them being relatively successful before but it’s a block on them now?

Keighley have struck me in recent times as being a club trying to run before it can walk. They were one of the most vocal objectors to IMG and how it blocks clubs to Super League, yet haven't finished above 10th in the Championship since 2012 (where they finished 6th)? And indeed have spent all but 1 season in the past 10 years in League 1. That's before we get into the general unprofessionality of that campaign. The chopping and changing of coaches and playing staff suggests volatility which is never good, especially when it doesn't have big financial support behind it to mask the problems. Its as if the ownership are at step 5 of their plan but the club isn't at step 1.

I have long said that France matches should be played outside the heartlands. I think international matches against tier 2 teams are a much easier sell to those who don't get to see much RL. For many international sport is a big deal and France as a name is a reasonable sell. Many RL fans are much more fussy and perhaps spoiled for choice. I have long felt the RFL are flogging a dead horse expecting people to turn up at places like Warrington and Leigh. Crowds alone show they often turn their noses up at internationals like that

Derwent Park Rangers winning the under 7`s, brilliant by the young uns and the coaches, they only started the teams last year. My mate was a coach there and said it was an outstanding weekend, kids had an amazing time. Well done to those that organised an ran this.

A brilliant post - been a fan since 1953 - sat on my dads shoulders aged 4 - hooked for life - I too am proud to be a Roughyed.

Jonty talks about how you react to certain situations and you can see that switch being flicked , we're not perfect but we're very professional. I'm looking forwarding to re-watching the tries..they were belters!

I spoke with KE after the TO13 game and he was very realistic about where his club is. He was disappointed of course but upbeat on what needs to change. Nice guy, I hope the club and fans stick by him.

Their crowds went up in 1996 as they had an excellent team for their level and were winning games with an exciting style of play and also the community rallied behind them fired by a sense of injustice. I went to a lot of their games at the time as my dad lived nearby and had a season ticket and there was a strong feeling that if they could keep their momentum growing they'd be impossible to ignore. Unfortunately they weren't quite as good as Salford and the hope proved to be an illusion, and things unravelled from there.

1-17 absolutely outstanding. One of the best performances from a town side for years. A team to be excited about. UTT

Could it be prioritising things like rainbows on their logo instead of stuff a semi pro footy club should be prioritising?

I came across this article about Tim Smith and just had to share as I think it's one of the best RL articles I've read. It's a long one but we'll worth a read. I actually remember when he came to Wigan and it was very obvious that there were a lot of issues there with various off field incidents. When he first signed he was sat directly in front of me watching the game and he just couldn't stop or settle. Interesting to hear too how he enjoyed his time at Wakefield when all the pressure was off. It's great to see him turn his life around and I think there are a lot of lessons in there for people: It's not that Tim Smith doesn't think about it. Anyone would think about it, from time to time. It just doesn't get to him anymore. The 2005 Dally M Rookie of the Year, the ultimate rookie of the year, the greatest rookie rugby league has ever seen and perhaps will ever see, turned 40 years old in 2025. It's a big birthday for anyone, but has a special resonance for Smith because of the 40 try assists he put together during that debut season with Parramatta, an NRL record that will likely never be broken. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-11/tim-smith-nrl-parramatta-eels-2005-try-assist-record/105260356

Most cars are exempt, aren't they? Yes, it's a tiny proportion who have to pay it. To be honest if a vehicle is such a banger that it's captured by ULEZ I'd be more concerned about it surviving the journey from the north of England than by incurring a small fee that is paid by hardly anyone in London.

People saying move it away from Wembley … it would just signal a slow decline. Wembely will in most years be our 1st or 2nd largest crowd of the season. Why would we bin that? Focus instead should be on growing the crowd at one of the most prestigious grounds in the world. And ideally doing so with just one great game (men’s final)

Just got my parking for £6 at Wembley Asda, 10 minutes walk, you can book your spot in advance. Going in the car £40, £50 tickets, food mostly take own but will spend on drinks (Non alcoholic) probably £200 tops and for a family of Four between £300/400 max.

To be honest my expectations are pretty modest, If we finish top 8 and avoid the relegation fight I'll be quite happy.

Again it’s culture. If people at the top of a club are abusing refs what sort of example does it set for the rest of the club?

This topic is Utter tripe. All those calling for this take your heads for a shake. Yes we're struggling right now but nay sayers already claiming relegation give up. Yes we'll be in a battle with another 4/5 teams in and around us, but don't give up yet. There is plenty of time to get up that table and now with returning players I'm sure we'll start to get some wins.

Whilst I agree a lot of time has passed what happened to Keighley, even if it was in the greater interests of the sport, was pretty disgraceful. I'd probably have thought of walking away from Rugby League if that had happened to my club.

Jake was put on report for eye gouging according to referee after match. doesn’t seem the type to do that at all hopefully nothing comes of it. best performance in years. T&S MOM went to Spencer Fulton.

You've a very smart bloke in Eastmond. Thought his comments were spot on. Quite a few supporters I encountered have got unrealistic expectations and he has taken the right approach reigning that in. As a club you made a great choice with him.

An excellent post and well-thought out. It does look like the teams identified as the main players are gradually getting better - Bradford York and Toulouse. We caught York early and beat them well but they are often slow starters. I agree that injuries have materially impacted us. Our game plan relys on the back 5 making yards early in the tackle count.. then we turn the ball back inside and kick. We are not alone in this but is it any wonder that we are chewing up backs? Combinations are key out wide both in attack bur more importantly in defence and this has been exposed at times as well as struggling to combat kicks. Games are not won on paper but I was chatting to a pal at Doncaster who is a keen student of the game.. his son was playing for the Dons.. and was amazed at how strong our squad was. We looked great for a time then lost our way and squeaking the win.. Dons hammering Halifax at the shay does put that into context of course. Here's hoping for a proper 80 minute performance this weekend!

Parading around wembley with the 1895 cup held aloft

This year's team have been coached

Ata as water boy , whatever next , new kid looks solid and really pleased for BJB getting 4 , different bloke to his previous stint with us.

Let's wait and see what May 21st brings first. Best case scenario is NRL involvement, followed by a handful of the best young players from the NSW Cup, keeping Farrimond for the rest of the year and we finish mid table. Worst case scenario...... Well!

When playing for Wakefield (1st stint) he lived on my street. Seemed a good chilled bloke with a nice family - can totally see why he blossomed in the less pressured environment at Wakey. They had a pretty good team in that time, Paul Aiton, Kyle Amor, Ali Lauititi, Dean Collis etc, especially good considering the administration in 2011!

4k in Albi yesterday!