Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Snow and rain lateSport
| 
Submit Comments
Paying price of failure
Gavin Browne1/10/2008
ROUGHYEDS chief executive Chris Hamilton said Steve Deakin paid the price for failing to win promotion after the coach departed Oldham.
Sunday’s 18-10 Grand Final defeat against Doncaster proved the final straw for the Oldham board who pulled the plug on Deakin’s tenure on Tuesday.
Mr Hamilton said: "Myself and Bill (Quinn, Oldham chairman) had a long meeting on Monday, looking at a whole host of things following the game.
"I spoke to Deaks and asked him to come in Tuesday morning and we said it was time for a change.
"He was upset, as were myself and Bill about what happened on Sunday and the fact we didn’t get promotion.
"There’s been no falling out, no animosity, and we’ve done our best by Deaks in terms of the backing and support he’s had.
"Deaks has done his best to get us what we all wanted – players, supporters and sponsors – but we’ve come up short.
"Ultimately, the coach carries the can when it comes to any sort of cull or however you want to phrase it. It’s not nice, particularly when it’s someone you have a lot of time and respect for."
Deakin arrived in 2006, replacing John Pendlebury after his ill-fated spell in charge, and the club’s much-heralded financial problems meant he was unable to avoid a winless season and relegation into National League Two.
His two full seasons since have brought Grand Final appearances, although Oldham had been considered firm favourites to win the title and avoid the play-offs.
Mr Hamilton added: "He reiterated it had been a pleasure to coach his hometown club, while myself and Sean Whitehead will always be grateful for the way he stepped into the breach in 2006.
"Having said that, after Bill came on board, he had plenty of backing and built two of the best squads we’ve had. With that came pressure but we thank Deaks for his efforts and wish him well."
Failure to win promotion also means the club are playing catch-up in terms of player recruitment for the 2009 campaign.
James Coyle, Marcus St Hilaire, Danny Halliwell, Tommy Goulden, Lucas Onyango, Gareth Langley, Richard Mervill, Adam Robinson, Chris Baines, Paul O’Connor, Phil Joseph and Craig Littler had all signed two-year deals, the second year of which was dependent on promotion.
Consequently, they will be out of contract shortly along with Said Tamghart, Matty Brooks, Daryl Cardiss, Jason Boults, Ian Hodson, Neil Roden and Simeon Hoyle, while Luke Menzies’ loan spell is also coming to an end.
The only players signed up for next year are skipper Rob Roberts, Luke Sutton and new man Andy Ballard, along with four teenagers from the club’s reserve team, meaning a lot of work has to be done.
Got an opinion you want to share?| Card | BT Fee |
| Virgin Credit Card | 2.98% |
| Capital One Low Rate Balance Transfer | 1.7% |
| Capital One Low Rate Platinum | HASH(0x2ba4c5814550) |
| Capital One Fixed Rate Card | 0.0% |
| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
5.50% |
|
PRINCIPALITY BS e-SAVER |
5.35% |
|
ANGLO IRISH BANK Easy Access Account Issue 2 |
5.25% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
2.75% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER Online Tracker |
4.75% |
|
BRADFORD & BINGLEY eSavings 6 |
4.60% |
|
ABBEY Instant Access Saver (Special Issue 2) |
4.50% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
4.00% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER eSaver - Issue 2 |
5.00% |
|
ABBEY eSaver Direct |
4.50% |
|
POST OFFICE Instant Saver |
3.75% |