THE Roughyeds will begin their preparations for the 2009 season with a friendly at Swinton Lions on Sunday, January 11.

The match at Sedgley Park (3pm kick-off) will act as a joint testimonial for Swinton full-back Wayne English and Oldham reserve boss John Hough.

It will be the first of a range of friendlies for new Oldham head coach Tony Benson with Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton looking to tie up at least another two pre-season games.

Oldham are also expecting the Law Cup to go ahead as planned despite a winding up order being served on Rochdale Hornets.

The Inland Revenue has hit the club with an order for £55,000 with the case due to be heard at the High Court in London on January 14.

As a club well versed in financial problems, Oldham at least know what those at Spotland are going through.

Mr Hamilton said: "At the end of the day, it’s not the first problem like this that they’ve had, it does seem to be an ongoing problem. We all have our own problems, none of us is sat here making a mountain of money but hopefully they’ll be able to continue."

The Oldham board have also confirmed that they are not in the market for any extra players following the departure of Daryl Cardiss last week.

Having terminated his deal for disciplinary matters, the Roughyeds appear to be satisfield with the squad they have for 2009. It means they go into the new year with a squad of 26 senior players, five reserves and the injured Ben Seru.

Mr Hamilton added: "We aren’t going to be looking at bringing anyone else in because the squad is bigger than we’ve had in recent years and we’ve got cover in all positions."