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Your thoughts for next season


Stevos Barber

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1 hour ago, roughyed8 said:

Survival is the first task, after that mid table, competitive and playing entertaining rugby would do for me!

I agree, survival for me would be the top priority and for Oldham to get established in the Championship, best not to run before we can walk. In the early throws of this season I allowed myself to get carried away and thought we were already a top championship side however the defeats at Swinton and especially the spanking at York put things into perspective. Don't get me wrong apart from the one loss in the league this year the team have been exceptional, playing a fantastic style of rugby with a defence that is second to none, I even think at this point with the current squad we could hold our own in the championship.

There are obviously going to be personnel changes in the off system so lets see what they bring both in & out, I'm more than confident that Bill Q, Mike F & Sean L will have a plan for next season for us to be competitive as the championship is a big step up from League One. This season with the squad that was assembled it would have taken some almighty balls up for us not to be promoted and given the points difference for and against its obvious that Oldham were a championship quality team playing at League One level. Next year is a totally different set of circumstances, some good teams in the championship and I'm sure it will not all be plain sailing, I'm expecting a few bumps along the way but if for the next couple of seasons we can consolidate ourselves as a decent standard championship team, get the crowds up a few thousand and maybe a couple of decent cup runs it gives us the springboard for in the future making that serious push for Super League. 

This past season has reignited my interest in Oldham Rugby, I've been watching since i was a kid with my Dad at Watershedding's, saw Oldham back in the day in Super League and then watched both the good and bad times when the club reformed however prior to this season I'd not been to an Oldham game for about 5 years, I basically just lost faith in the previous administration and just didn't get any enjoyment any more in watching Oldham. I'll admit being a little "sceptical" when the initial takeover was announced but went along with it and boy am I glad that I did. The turnaround in the perception of Oldham Rugby is such a joy to behold and thanks to the current custodians both on and off the pitch we have a club and team to be proud of. I know for a fact that later this year as soon as season tickets become on sale and the fixture list announced I'll be purchasing mine straight away. 

Oldham Rugby is only going one way and that is up and I'll be there along from the ride. All I ask is that expectations are set at a reasonable level, yes we all want Super Duper League but I'm happy to wait a few seasons yet to get the club fully established from top to bottom. 

COME ON OLDHAM, BRING ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!

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9 hours ago, Oldham Valderama said:

I agree, survival for me would be the top priority and for Oldham to get established in the Championship, best not to run before we can walk. In the early throws of this season I allowed myself to get carried away and thought we were already a top championship side however the defeats at Swinton and especially the spanking at York put things into perspective. Don't get me wrong apart from the one loss in the league this year the team have been exceptional, playing a fantastic style of rugby with a defence that is second to none, I even think at this point with the current squad we could hold our own in the championship.

There are obviously going to be personnel changes in the off system so lets see what they bring both in & out, I'm more than confident that Bill Q, Mike F & Sean L will have a plan for next season for us to be competitive as the championship is a big step up from League One. This season with the squad that was assembled it would have taken some almighty balls up for us not to be promoted and given the points difference for and against its obvious that Oldham were a championship quality team playing at League One level. Next year is a totally different set of circumstances, some good teams in the championship and I'm sure it will not all be plain sailing, I'm expecting a few bumps along the way but if for the next couple of seasons we can consolidate ourselves as a decent standard championship team, get the crowds up a few thousand and maybe a couple of decent cup runs it gives us the springboard for in the future making that serious push for Super League. 

This past season has reignited my interest in Oldham Rugby, I've been watching since i was a kid with my Dad at Watershedding's, saw Oldham back in the day in Super League and then watched both the good and bad times when the club reformed however prior to this season I'd not been to an Oldham game for about 5 years, I basically just lost faith in the previous administration and just didn't get any enjoyment any more in watching Oldham. I'll admit being a little "sceptical" when the initial takeover was announced but went along with it and boy am I glad that I did. The turnaround in the perception of Oldham Rugby is such a joy to behold and thanks to the current custodians both on and off the pitch we have a club and team to be proud of. I know for a fact that later this year as soon as season tickets become on sale and the fixture list announced I'll be purchasing mine straight away. 

Oldham Rugby is only going one way and that is up and I'll be there along from the ride. All I ask is that expectations are set at a reasonable level, yes we all want Super Duper League but I'm happy to wait a few seasons yet to get the club fully established from top to bottom. 

COME ON OLDHAM, BRING ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd like to think we can do a little better than just survive, although that is the bottom line.

At least a couple of external factors may work in our favour. Firstly, if another club comes up with us, they will be significantly weaker than us.

Also, there are at least  two clubs in severe distress ie Halifax and Whitehaven, who will struggle badly next season in all likelihood. There may be more.

I also think, given our attendances and backing, that we will have more financial muscle than most of the sides.

I think strategically the RFL has a big interest in a successful Oldham currently. They could do with a substantial team and venue in the east of Greater Manchester. There is a big gap, and a lot of population, between Salford and Huddersfield and a revitalised Oldham could be of great use.

I am unusually optimistic. More so than at any time since we were relegated in 1987.

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I've previously said that if we survive I will be happy, if we are in the play offs I will be ecstatic and if we get in the top three I will be orgasmic!!!!

I also think we need a little more success in the cups. 1895 more likely than the CC. But always remember 91 we beat saints and widnes to get to the semis when we were in the lower division.

Edited by The Art of Hand and Foot
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Sounds like recruitment almost done. All the names mentioned so far Sidlow, Dudson, Thornley, Ashurst are older players. Need to mix in some younger lads as well. 

Think we can do OK with a few good additions. Need another halfback as expect Ellis will be released. Hopefully retain PLT on a permanent basis.

The central funding of teams in Championship used to vary significantly based on where teams finished in previous season - when we went up last time we got something like £50k when such as Bradford got about £750K - just totally unfair. Does it still work like that? Made it difficult for teams coming up to compete. Will central funding be dictated by IMG grading? 

Hope we can be in the play-offs with the quality we will have.

Edited by Roughyeds Forever!
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To prove our self as a Championship club. Don't mind where we finish as long as we hold to our standards and style. The way we play and defend means we'll be competitive in a massive amount of games home and away. To keep building like we have been doing off the pitch and slowly building the crowds.

Can't wait.

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In looking at what the future may hold, note must be made of the financial position of other Rugby League Clubs, and that has become clearer with recent publications of accounts for the year to October/ November 2023.

The latest published accounts show that :

Workington have a negative P&L reserves figure of £430k, probably now over £500k

Halifax have a negative P&L reserves figure of £930k (having lost £200k in that year), so probably now circa £1.1m

Castleford on the face of it look OK, but that is because they have revalued their ground and determined it has a value of £8,2m, significantly revalued upwards in the last year,. They lost £500k last year. There are directors loans of £2.7m up £300k on the previous year - which are secured by virtue of a fixed and floating charge over company assets.

St Helens lost £2m last year, after losing £1.4m the previous year. They have valued their lease at £31.8m, have a revaluation reserve of £17.3m, but a deficit on their P&L reserve of £15..1m. There ultimate parent is based in the British Virgin Islands.

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Very worrying signs for the sport. I love what Bill and co have done with our club especially the investment and ambition but I also pray that we don’t repeat sins of the past and we can do it on a sustainable footing 

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3 hours ago, sb01 said:

In looking at what the future may hold, note must be made of the financial position of other Rugby League Clubs, and that has become clearer with recent publications of accounts for the year to October/ November 2023.

The latest published accounts show that :

Workington have a negative P&L reserves figure of £430k, probably now over £500k

Halifax have a negative P&L reserves figure of £930k (having lost £200k in that year), so probably now circa £1.1m

Castleford on the face of it look OK, but that is because they have revalued their ground and determined it has a value of £8,2m, significantly revalued upwards in the last year,. They lost £500k last year. There are directors loans of £2.7m up £300k on the previous year - which are secured by virtue of a fixed and floating charge over company assets.

St Helens lost £2m last year, after losing £1.4m the previous year. They have valued their lease at £31.8m, have a revaluation reserve of £17.3m, but a deficit on their P&L reserve of £15..1m. There ultimate parent is based in the British Virgin Islands.

Whitehaven RLFC not Workington Town!!!

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Last season,  along with everyone else,  I was disappointed that we weren't in promoted.  However, I think it was a blessing in disguise. Although I think this seasons squad would have done OK in the championship, I think they will do more than OK next season. We've effectively had a 20 game season of  getting to know each other. Do you know why Nelson defeated the French at trafalgar? Practice, practice,  practice! We have had a full season of practice.  The squad is primed and will be ready for 2025. I for one can't wait.

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3 hours ago, Gary Murdock said:

Whitehaven RLFC not Workington Town!!!

Apologies yes the figures quoted were for Whitehaven.

 

Workington Town's P&L reserves figure is similar at ( £408k) (31/12/2023), although they have £175k valued long lease

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10 hours ago, sb01 said:

 

Castleford on the face of it look OK, but that is because they have revalued their ground and determined it has a value of £8,2m, significantly revalued upwards in the last year,. They lost £500k last year. There are directors loans of £2.7m up £300k on the previous year - which are secured by virtue of a fixed and floating charge over company assets.

Who would pay £8.2m for Cas ground - its badly in need of redevelopment - in poor conditon. Also not the best located for say housing land. What would you build there that could drive that value? Crazy valuation.

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29 minutes ago, The Art of Hand and Foot said:

Regarding next season, if there is relegation from super league who would you prefer Hull or London? I think London would be an easier option, however Hull will bring the fans and the away game is nearer.

I think it’s a done deal that London are going down, even if they finish about the hapless rabble that Hull have been this season. IMG rules. I understand the financial implications for Hull and their opponents should they go down, but I still believe that promotion and relegation should purely and simply be on position. 

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Off field is important too!

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With the best, thats a good bit of PR, though I would say the Bedford team, theres, like, you know, 13 blokes who can get together at the weekend to have a game together, which doesnt point to expansion of the game. Point, yeah go on!

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On 10/09/2024 at 08:45, sheddingswasus said:

None of these would look good for IMG financial points

Actually, I'm not sure that's the case. Adjusted profit only accounts for 0.5 of a point. The rest is turnover related and investment and all of those things would score quite highly. In my opinion, this plus quite a few other criteria, makes a mockery of the process.

Edited by Roughyed Rats
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