“THEY come from a land Down Under,” say the lyrics of a well-known Aussie song. Well, the lad we know as Keith Atky might be more of a Breeze Hill boy than a Bondi boy, but he came from a land Down Under last week for a flying visit and he’s back in Oz now after what he has called the best few days of his life with Oldham Rugby League Club, the highlight of which was watching the Oldham v Dewsbury game at the Vestacare Stadium last Sunday.
He flew home the day after, keen to get back to his wife and family but ‘jealous’ (his word) of the Oldham faithful and all they can look forward to in the days and weeks ahead.
He flew home as the club’s official Man in Australia with a mandate to scout for talent, to sell our club to the real men from Down Under and to generally and officially represent Roughyeds on the other side of the world.
“The talent in Queensland is unbelievable.” said Keith. “The State is bulging at the seams with very good players and it’s my job to try and get some of that talent to come to Oldham. They’ve no chance in Australia because the talent pool is so huge so it’s fair to say I’ll be looking for the next John Cogger or the next Mal Graham.
“I’ve absolutely adored my few days in Oldham and to be back with Roughyeds. My wife and kids know how much it means to me and although we’ll be separated by 12,000 miles I’ll be in close contact believe me.”
Atky is pictured above with the men in charge. Left to right (standing): Mike Ford (managing director), Jim Minton (finance officer), Keith Atkinson, Simon Winnard (media, public relations and fan engagement}, Gary Kershaw (commercial and sponsorship), Mick Harrington, Bill Quinn (chairman), John Chadwick. In front: Haydn Walker.
Picture: David Naylor
