Final Whistle: Oldham should embrace ‘Roughyeds’ nickname

[Rugby League World]

I HAD an interesting discussion recently with Mike Ford, the managing director of Oldham RLFC, who was a recent guest of me and my colleague...

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[Eddie]

It’s a cracking moniker but there’s no real need to incorporate it into the club’s official name, as long as they don’t pick another meaningless one to replace it. 

[The Art of Hand and Foot]

We've had this discussion for years. My view is we should. I understand the argument that it's difficult to promote a 'Roughyed'. But as someone from  strategic marketing background I can tell you difficult doesn't mean impossible. As alluded to in the article a Roughyed is unique.  I've said many times before there are more Warriors, Rovers, Hornets, United, City's and animals of the genus Felis that you can wave a stick at. But there is only one Roughyeds. And as a BBC reporter said a few years back "what a great name for a rugby team".

[Henson Park Old Firm]

Time for someone to create a  Oldham Roughyeds A.I. crest.

 

[Wellsy4HullFC]

I heard the Bears was very popular...

[Henson Park Old Firm]

Weren't they also called the leopards?

[philipw]

8 minutes ago, Henson Park Old Firm said:

Weren't they also called the leopards?

Nope

[philipw]

51 minutes ago, Wellsy4HullFC said:

I heard the Bears was very popular...

About as popular as the Sharks/ Thunder merger

[Wellsy4HullFC]

3 hours ago, philipw said:

About as popular as the Sharks/ Thunder merger

Bingo.

[marklaspalmas]

 

10 hours ago, philipw said:

About as popular as the Sharks/ Thunder merger

Wildcats, Bluesox, Harlequins, we could go on.....

[Eddie]

Oldham Otters? Oldham Ocelots? Oldham Oystercatchers? 

Edited July 24, 2024 by Eddie

[LeytherRob]

11 hours ago, Wellsy4HullFC said:

I heard the Bears was very popular...

Pretty sure that moniker is cursed in British RL at this point, Leigh had it and ditched it after going bust, then Oldham took it and went bust. Thought Coventry might buck the trend but that one didn’t last long either.

[Anita Bath]

Think the curse extends beyond British RL.

[JohnM]

23 hours ago, The Art of Hand and Foot said:

We've had this discussion for years. My view is we should. I understand the argument that it's difficult to promote a 'Roughyed'. But as someone from  strategic marketing background I can tell you difficult doesn't mean impossible. As alluded to in the article a Roughyed is unique.  I've said many times before there are more Warriors, Rovers, Hornets, United, City's and animals of the genus Felis that you can wave a stick at. But there is only one Roughyeds. And as a BBC reporter said a few years back "what a great name for a rugby team".

In my view, the advantages of the opportunity to explain the story behind the name outweighs the disadvantages of reinforcing the northern stereotype so yes, just do it.  

[Martyn Sadler]

Interestingly enough I've had an email from a reader who was born and raised in Oldham and who is a graduate of Virginia Tech. He is a keen fan of the Hokies and the Hokie Bird and loves the link made by the article with the Roughyeds.

It was rather a surprising email to receive.