Following the news that he would depart Keighley Cougars, Alan Kilshaw has already had his future confirmed, and he will be staying in the Championship.
Kilshaw will join Oldham RLFC as assistant coach, and will work under Director of Rugby, Mike Ford, in leading the team in the second tier.
Oldham finished fourth in the Championship last year, and bowed out in the first round of play-offs to Halifax Panthers. Despite achieving that in their first season back after promotion, the club’s higher-ups were left unsatisfied, and a change of leadership was sought.
That meant that head coach Sean Long and assistant Joe Wardle departed, with Ford taking over the coaching side of the club whilst also fulfilling his role as Director of Rugby.
The club always said they wouldn’t be rushing to make an appointment, but in Kilshaw they see a quality coach, and someone who has plenty of experience at this level.
On his arrival, Ford said: “Alan is a great addition and a very experienced coach in his own right. He is very experienced in this competition. The opportunity to expand our coaching team is one we have been looking at for a while, and the right coach came about at the right time.”
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Alan Kilshaw’s first words as Championship switch confirmed
Commenting on the move himself, the former Keighley, Swinton, Hunslet and Rochdale boss said:Â “I’m very excited, this is a great opportunity at a club going places with some top quality players who I am excited to learn off and work with.”
Kilshaw will not be the man at the helm at the Roughyeds, instead forming part of the coaching staff, alongside Ford and fellow assistant Callum Irving.
“I have come here as assistant coach to support Mike and get the best out of the players alongside the rest of the coaching team,” he added. “My remit will be to look after the attack, we have some quality players there and we will make sure the attack is thriving.
I had really good conversations with Mike and chairman Bill Quinn last week which helped me make the tough decision to leave Keighley. This is an opportunity to work with a real calibre of player and compete at the top end of the Championship, which was a no-brainer.”
Oldham’s first game of the 2026 season will see them take on the newly-formed Salford RLFC on January 16. Following that, they will enter the Challenge Cup, and will face the winner of the tie between Orrell St James and Haresfinch.
We’re pleased to confirm the appointment of Alan Kilshaw to the role of assistant coach ahead of the 2026 season.
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— Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) January 6, 2026
