OLDHAM Rugby League Club, whose 2023 season is over following Sunday’s 13-12 play-off defeat by North Wales Crusaders, is already well down the road on planning for next season and an advert will go out today (Tuesday) for a new head coach.
Chairman Bill Quinn said so publicly in the Broadway Suite at Boundary Park on Sunday and the club has since released the advert which describes the part-time appointment as an ’exciting opportunity’ to join an ‘ambitious and progressive club’ and to work with a ‘forward-thinking’ board of directors.
Interestingly, news of the advert’s release was revealed by the chairman BEFORE kick-off, meaning the timing of its circulation was in no way connected with the surprise play-off defeat by a side whose regular-season record was vastly inferior to ours, but was merely in line with what was promised some weeks ago when Stuart Littler was ‘relieved of his position’ and managing director Mike Ford was installed as interim boss to the end of the season.
Ford, who has coached at the highest level in Rugby Union for the past 20 years, has since said he would not be interested in the job permanently and that he will not be responding to the advert,
Furthermore, writes ROGER HALSTEAD, it has been confirmed that new signings Jordan Turner and Joe Wardle, each of whom will join Oldham on two-year deals when their current contracts with Castleford Tigers and Leigh Leopards expire this autumn, will each be asked to be involved with coaching, Turner to mentor the backs and Wardle to do a similar job with the forwards.
Both Turner and Wardle have said publicly, however, that their priority here will be as players although the playing-side boss, Ford, has said his intention, and that of the board, is to put in place a coaching structure that will leave no stone unturned and will enable Roughyeds to develop players as they should be developed.
Depending on the thoughts and requirements of the new head coach, it is thought that the club’s strategy moving forward will be to retain the highly respected Brendan Sheridan, the current No 2, as a key member of the coaching ’team’.
The board will be looking for a head coach with a level 3 qualification, or its equivalent in Australia and New Zealand, and someone with a successful track record at a high level in Rugby League coaching.
Salary will be open to negotiation and will depend on the successful applicant’s experience. Also required from applicants will be a detailed CV with a letter in which they will outline the reasons why they believe they will be right for the job.
Ford has let it be known more than once that the coach who influenced him most in his own playing career was the Australian, Darryl Van de Velde at Castleford, but it remains to be seen whether anyone with Darryl’s type of background will apply.
Club chairman Bill Quinn was understandably reluctant to give anything away when he spoke to fans on Sunday, but he did say:
“We are in no rush, but the main thing is that we get the right man and we are confident we will do that.”
He said the club had already spoken to one top coach, but nothing came of it because the coach concerned was destined to move elsewhere.
Head Coach
Oldham RLFC would like to invite applications for the position of Head Coach ahead of the 2024 Season.
This is currently a part-time position that will report directly to the Managing Director. For the right candidate, this presents an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and progressive club and to work with a forward-thinking board of directors.
The ideal candidate will:
Hold a Level 3 coaching qualification (or Australian / New Zealand equivalent) and demonstrate a successful rugby league coaching track record at a high level Demonstrate a strong coaching philosophy and vision for the club
Be able to build a high-level environment and culture and possess excellent leadership and management skills
Have excellent analytical, planning, evaluation, and delivery skills in respect of training and match day activities
Have the ability to think creatively and differently
Be able to represent the club at all levels, including with the press and media, whilst always projecting a professional and positive image of the club
Also be committed to the personal development of individual players and coaching staff
For the successful candidate, salary is negotiable and dependent on experience. To apply for the position, please submit an up-to-date CV together with a covering letter, detailing how you believe your experience, personal skills and attributes fit the role.
Applications or informal / confidential enquiries should be made to Managing Director, Mike Ford at mike.ford@roughyeds.co.uk
Please note that Oldham RLFC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all individuals irrespective of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or beliefs.
