Spencer signs new deal

Jack Spencer, seven games short of 100 in the Oldham RL jersey, has signed a new deal to cover his fifth season at the club.

In his two seasons of Championship rugby,  relegation, two seasons of League 1 and then promotion back to the Championship he's experienced the highs and lows of life as a Roughyed.

"We've had ups and downs, but I've enjoyed every twist and turn," said Jack, who followed his Dad -- former assistant coach Lee Spencer  -- to Oldham  ahead of the 2016 Championship campaign.

Like his father before him, Jack has helped to build the culture, work ethic and special bonding for which the Roughyeds dressing room is renowned.

He's also spent the last 12 months doing up the house he's bought in Swinton -- that's as well as working full time in his father's fireplace business; training three times a week with Roughyeds; and playing on Sundays.

"I'm 28 and right now I feel like 48, but by the time pre-season training starts again I'll have rested up, had a holiday and be looking forward to starting all over again in a higher division, with a new coach and alongside some new team mates.

"It's going to be tough in the Championship, but we'll have the squad to deal with it and to hold our own.

"I hadn't played in League 1 before 2018 and it was harder than I thought it would be, but only for some of the games. In the rest it was a bit easier.

"The difference this time is that every game will be like a cup final. It will be relentless. And more games too.

"We had a lot of injuries in 2017 but with better luck on that front it should make a big difference this time.

"I go back a long way with Scott and Peter (departing coaches Scott Naylor and Peter Carey), but that's rugby league; indeed, it's sport in general. Players and coaches leave and those left behind say their fond farewells and then got on with it.

"Matt (new coach Matt Diskin) will be bringing new ideas and new methods into the club. It's a fresh start and we're all looking forward to it."

Diskin said of Spencer: "He's the sort of forward every pack needs -- hard-working, solid, a quality player and with a wealth of experience behind him."

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+ A reminder that the Players' Awards Night 2019 will be held at the Vestacare Stadium on Friday night, November 8.

Ritchie 'Titch' Hawkyard will be disc jockey and Dave Murgatroyd will be MC.

Votes for Supporters' Play of the Year need to be made online by midnight this Friday, November 1.

Tickets at £15 a head include hot supper and they can be bought on line or in person (cash or cheque) at the Roughyeds office at the Vestacare Stadium on Wednesday and Friday this week (10am to 3pm) or on Monday, Wednesday and Friday next week between the same times.

Tickets are limited and will go on a first come first served basis.

By Roger Halstead