CHAIRMAN Chris Hamilton, head coach Matt Diskin and the club wish to thank ORSA’s Squad Strengthener for its recent support and to make it known that the fans’ fund-raiser has assisted the club financially in the recruitment of next season’s squad.
“Like most clubs, we have had backing from Squad Strengthener in what is obviously a crucial part of the overall operation and it goes without saying that we really appreciate the gesture and the work that goes into making it possible"
said the Roughyeds chairman, content in the knowledge that the 2021 squad currently stands at 27 in number and looks to be the strongest the club has put together for several years.
Coach Diskin added:
“I’m much more confident about 2021 than I was last time. We’ve signed some real quality for next season and it wouldn’t have happened without Squad Strengthener. We can’t put into words how much we really appreciate that help.”
Though falling under the banner of ORSA (Oldham Roughyeds Supporters’ Association), Squad Strengthener is run and administered by a sub-committee of three — John McAndrew, Lynda McAndrew and Bill Hannen.
It was originally created by the late Nigel Marland when he became ORSA chairman, but when Nigel died and John McAndrew succeeded him as chairman of the supporters’ association he vowed to keep Squad Strengthener going. Money is contributed by supporters to Squad Strengthener and ring-fenced for the sole purpose of helping the parent club to sign new players or, as in previous years, to go towards the wages of loan players.
Said John:
“We have 24 keen supporters who help us with monthly standing orders or with annual one-off payments. We have also had a couple of donations from people who have died and bequeathed money to the club or their relatives have done it for them as a thank-you to the club for all the pleasure it has given them over the years.
“Just as the club has publicly expressed its thanks to Squad Strengthener, I would like to add my thanks, and those of ORSA, to supporters who make it possible and also to those fans who support ORSA in other ways. It is difficult to raise money during a lockdown, but we keep trying. No matter what is thrown at him, Chris never gives up in doing his best for the club and nor will we in terms of ORSA and Squad Strengthener.”
Anyone wishing to know more about Squad Strengthener, or to join the scheme, can speak to John directly on 07980-129541.
