MICHAEL Turner, man behind most of the events and books relating to the great things Oldham Rugby has done and has achieved in the past 147 years, has accepted the new board’s invitation to become the club’s official historian.
Well known in literary and historical circles throughout Rugby League, Mike is a trustee of the Oldham RLFC Heritage Trust but, more than that, he is the heart-beat of the Trust and the man who effectively runs it.
He says, modestly,
“I’m JUST a trustee,” but everyone knows that Michael runs the show and is largely responsible for the day-to-day organisation of the Trust; it’s second-to-none collection of club memorabilia; it’s presentation and/or delivery of heritage certificates to more than 100 former players or their close relatives; and the planning of shows, exhibitions etc at Gallery Oldham.
Said Mike:
“I’m honoured and privileged to accept this new role. Needless to say, it’s a role close to my heart and it’s an appointment I will cherish.”
A lifelong Roughyeds fan, Mike, his wife Mary and their two daughters used to live in Greenacres, but they live now in Denshaw.
Michael is also well known on the local music scene, but it is as one of this country’s leading figures on the history of Rugby League and, more specifically, on the history of the Oldham club, that he is best known.
Simon Winnard, one of the new directors, said:
“The board is delighted that Mike has agreed to become Oldham RLFC’s Official Club Historian.
“The work that Mike and everyone at the Heritage Trust has done over the years is second to none and has a worldwide reputation for preserving the precious history of our great club.
“We wholeheartedly support their work and look forward to working closer with Mike and the Heritage Trust as we build up to the club’s 150th anniversary in 2026.”
Keen home-and-away followers of Roughyeds, Mike and Mary were present at the Vestacare Stadium last night when we staged the latest derby clash with Rochdale Hornets, traditionally and historically, as Mike will tell you, one of our sport’s best and most respected derby rivalries.
