Oldham RLFC have announced new ownership in the shape of a group led by former player and coach Mike Ford, who also played for Castleford Tigers, Wigan Warriors, Leigh and Wakefield, as well as a local businessman Mick Harrington.
They have successfully purchased the club.
Following this Ford, said:
“We are really excited about the future of the Roughyeds. It’s close to all our hearts and we know the importance of a vibrant, thriving Oldham Rugby to the town and its people. We certainly don’t take our responsibility as club custodians lightly and it’s our vision to give the people of Oldham a rugby league club they can be proud of. A club that they are excited and inspired by and one that they can identify with. We cannot wait to get started.”
Now Sky Sports Pundit Jon Wilkin has explained who IMG’s new grading system could have led to this believing that Oldham could have a guaranteed place in Super League is they hit certain criteria.
He said: “Oldham has a rich history with the game and has been a fantastic club throughout the history of the game and it is fantastic for George Ford and Mike Ford to get involved.
“This shows how the new licencing allows people to come in and change and invest in a club and make an impact really quickly so I think the Ford family have seen an opportunity like Oldham that they can take forward quite quickly with IMG giving them a guaranteed place in Super League if they can hit some certain criteria.”
He also called on Mike Ford’s son and England Rugby Union international to get involved on the playing side of things:
“Let’s hope we can see George Ford put on some boots.”
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