THE changing face of Rugby League leadership and governance in Oldham continuous to throw up a different approach at both professional and top-level community levels.
As it was pointed out to about 250 fans at a smart celebration dinner at the QE Hall on Friday, it’s more than a year now since new owners took over at Oldham Rugby League Club, this leading to the departure of coach Stuart Littler, the appointment of new managing director Mike Ford as interim team boss and eventually the unveiling of Sean Long as head coach on a three-year deal.
Hardly had the dust settled before we heard that Neil Flanagan was to be succeeded as chairman of Oldham St Anne’s by Paul Green with a new committee to include, among other newcomers. club stalwarts and former players Glenn Galbraith and Rick Badby, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
As if that wasn’t enough we were then told the Oldham Amateur League is seeking nominations for league secretary and league treasurer to go before its AGM on July 10 and that league officials would welcome interest from anyone wishing to join the league executive.
Then came the-piece-de resistance from Saddleworth Rangers. Their ‘big two’, namely president Terry Flanagan and chair Karen Thompson both stood down at the club’s AGM after serving the club in these important and demanding positions for many years.
A new committee comprises, in alphabetical order, Danny Attersall, Gavin Dodd, Lars Haigh, Dave Newton, Shane Tupaea, Sean Whitehead and Andy Wood.
There’a a new club president in Graeme Morgan and a new treasurer in Vicky Jackman — and a new chair to succeed Karen will be named soon. She said:
“Terry and I go back years in these positions at the club and we felt it was time to hand over the baton. It’s been a privilege to serve the club for so long and to take it to where it is today, notwithstanding the commitment and all the hard work. We wish all who succeed us every success in taking the club forward. All good things come to an end and this will be good for the club, moving forward.”
Long-serving club secretary Peter Townsend continues in that role.
