MIKE FORD has resigned as Oldham’s director of rugby with immediate effect, leaving the club after almost three years of high-profile stewardship.
The former Roughyeds player confirmed his exit on social media shortly after Oldham’s 25-8 defeat to London Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Ford was among a consortium which took over Oldham in March 2023 and, alongside chairman Bill Quinn, has led their ambitions to become a Super League club.
Initially managing director, he took the role of director of rugby – and effectively head coach – when Sean Long, who led Oldham to the League One title in 2024 and the Championship play-offs last season, departed in November.
But only three matches into the new season, Ford has stepped away from the club altogether, at a tumultuous time off the field.
They are currently not playing at their Boundary Park home due to a contractual dispute with landlords Oldham Athletic FC.
Ford, whose assistant coach Callum Irving has also left, said: “When we launched a new era for Oldham in March 2023, our aim was to make the town proud of its team again. Oldham was to be at the centre of everything we wanted to achieve.
“Over the past three years, an enormous amount of work and commitment has gone into that vision, and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved both on and off the field.
“While we narrowly missed out on a return to Super League, I remained convinced that we were on the right track to bring rugby league at the highest level back to Oldham and to embark on the next chapter.
“However, over the past few months it has become clear that the direction of travel of the club is not something I feel I can be part of.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but with immediate effect I am resigning from my position as director of rugby at Oldham after advising the board on January 8.
“Callum Irving, my assistant coach and lead of our pathway programme, has also stepped away from his role.
“I will be making no further comment other than to thank the players, staff and supporters for their incredible commitment and support over the past three years, and to wish the club every success in the future.”