Statement from Oldham RLFC on RFL Board/Strategic Review

Oldham RLFC today confirm that they were one of the majority of clubs that supported the recent resolutions to remove members of the RFL Board and implement a club-led strategic review. The Board want to make it clear that we fully support Nigel Wood and his working group to deliver in the sport’s hour of need.

We made this decision as it believed this was the best way to bring about long-needed change to the sport to safeguard its long-term financial sustainability and make sure it remained an investable product.

It is now pleasing to see that progress has been made and the Strategic Working Group will now be able to undertake its vital work.

We were delighted to welcome Nigel Wood to our home match against London Broncos. To have him in attendance and for him to listen to our thoughts in those discussions it was abundantly clear that Nigel was the right man to steer the review as his knowledge, passion and desire to make the sport great again were clear for all to see.

Next week the club will attend the first club meeting to progress this work. From what we already know it is obvious to us that this will be an open, transparent and detailed piece of work that all clubs can help deliver.

The members of the working group are people of high calibre, with the skills and expertise needed to shape progress. Their abilities and experience will ensure that the work produced is right for the long-term sustainability of the sport that we all care so passionately about. We are grateful that they have given up their time without remuneration to deliver for the sport at this time.

As a club, we have realistic and big ambitions as has been seen with the various announcements and performances on and off the field since we purchased the club. This is done for the town, its people and to bring back the good times. We will ensure that our voice is heard in the review and feel confident it will be beneficial to all.

Chairman Bill Quinn said:

“We wish Nigel and his working group all the success in the world to deliver for the sport at this critical time.

Change, in my opinion and that of others, is what the sport has been seriously lacking and if we continue to carry out the same practices why would we expect a different outcome?

I was also very pleased that in the open discussions we were given the opportunity to nominate candidates other than Nigel, but we and many others felt Nigel - for all the right reasons - was the correct man to lead this review. We are confident that the individuals involved in the process will bring the correct changes with a view to bringing in many other investors like myself into the sport.

It is now more important than ever that the whole of the game comes together to produce a long-term strategy that ensures rugby league has the best possible future. I and the Board of Oldham RLFC will be totally committed to delivering this.”