Now Finnigan is on board for 2027

Roughyeds’ recruitment for 2027 has gathered significant pace, with assistant boss Simon Finnigan the latest to agree a new deal with the club until the end of 2027, with the option of another year.

The former Widnes and Newcastle boss joined Oldham at the back end of February and has quickly become a key member of the coaching set-up alongside head coach Alan Kilshaw and fellow assistant Martin Elswood.

Finnigan has played a big role in helping Oldham achieve their highest finish since 1997, when the club was competing in Super League, and will now remain part of the coaching staff as Roughyeds look to build on that progress.

“It’s a really exciting time,” he said. “The new owners have come in and they’ve put a lot of good things in place.

They want to move the club in the right way, with positive signs. On the field, my relationship with Killer (Alan Kilshaw), with the players and with the club has been excellent.

I’ve got a fair bit of ownership – Alan has put a fair bit of responsibility on me, which is good. We have a really good relationship.

I had been out of the game for a couple of years… since I’ve come in I have loved it and being around the boys and the coaching staff – they’ve all been great.”

Finnigan arrived at Oldham with considerable experience both as a player and coach.

The former Ireland international made 256 appearances across the sport’s top two leagues before beginning his coaching career at Toronto, where he played his part in the club’s League One title triumph and their run to the Million Pound Game in 2018.

He then led Newcastle to the play-off final in 2019, where his side ultimately fell short against Oldham.

Now, with Roughyeds three wins away from becoming Championship Grand Final winners, Finnigan is hoping there is more success to come this season – starting with Sunday’s do-or-die clash against Midlands.

His message to the players is simple.

“Go and win,” he said.

We weren't good enough on the day (against Widnes). That can happen in the play-offs. We got a few things wrong in how we played and how we probably approached the game.

The good thing is we get another chance, another crack this week at Midlands, and I'm sure we'll put it right.”

With Finnigan’s future now secured, the focus remains firmly on the present as Oldham look to keep their play-off campaign alive at Boundary Park on Sunday.

Supporters can expect further news on Roughyeds' plans for 2027 in the days and weeks ahead.