ROUGHYEDS are pleased to announce the signing of the experienced forward Deane Meadows on a one-year deal ahead of the 2023 Betfred League One season.
The 28-year-old brings with him Championship and League One experience and versatility after spending three years at Swinton Lions.
Meadows, who can play in the back-row and in the ‘middles’, is delighted to be back playing under coach Stuart Littler.
He said:
“Stu signed me at Swinton and then got in touch with me about going down to Oldham this year.
“I had a chat with him and the club seems to be heading in the right direction.
“Speaking to Stu before signing, we definitely want to be up there come the end of the season.”
Meadows, who didn’t make his Lions debut until 2021 due to Covid, made 35 appearances and scored eight tries during his time at Heywood Road.
He has always been a handful when coming up against us, especially in 2021 when he scored a last-minute try in the 22-22 draw to deny us a win in the fight for Championship survival.
He made 15 appearances last year and played a key role in Swinton’s promotion back into the Championship.
Meadows played at Shevington Sharks (Wigan) for 19 years, having joined when he was aged six and had a fruitful amateur career, before his move to Swinton Lions.
In 2019, Deane was part of the Lancashire BARLA side which travelled to Serbia and beat Red Star Belgrade.
In the same year he also helped the North West English Lionhearts, who went unbeaten in their tour of Jamaica — including a win over the national side in 2019.
Head coach Stuart Littler said:
“Deane has grown year on year since coming into a professional environment.
“He’s a player who challenges himself to be better. He’s a good person and he’s going to add to our team dynamic.
“He’s also got lots of energy on him so he can play big minutes.”
Littler also emphasised the strength of this year’s squad.
He said:
“Deane is coming for the right reasons. There’s nobody in our squad next year who is going to be nailed on for a position. They’re all going to be earned.
“He’s up for that fight and he’s bought into the vision of the club and where we want to be heading.
“I’m excited about him signing and for the future ahead.”
Deane becomes Oldham’s 11th signing for the 2023 season with more signing and re-signing news to come in the next few days.
