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We need a miracle

Carl Marsden
6/ 4/2005

OLDHAM Rugby League Club faces the prospect of being wound-up within three weeks unless officials can agree a last-ditch compromise with creditors.

As the Advertiser went to press, Chairman Chris Hamilton was notified that the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise were rejecting his proposal to enter a creditors' voluntary agreement and could now proceed with the winding-up petition.

"We're awaiting the formal response but we understand the authorities have rejected our initial proposals for settlement," he said. "If that is the case we may have a chance to put a revised proposal to them but that depends upon the stance that they adopt. If they decide to proceed with the winding-up order we understand that could be heard within two to three weeks. Time is absolutely critical now and this is a very dangerous position."

Despite another disappointing matchday attendance last weekend, Hamilton has again urged the public to show physical and financial support when the Roughyeds take on Doncaster Dragons at Boundary Park on Sunday (3pm kick-off). Latics have also agreed to halve the rental fee for the next two games.

"All I can do is appeal again to people's nature and goodwill," he said. "If the public don't help us to get through this we might not get another opportunity to put things right."

Terry Flanagan, the former Oldham and Great Britain loose forward, is the latest person to step forward and offer assistance to the club. Flanagan's company have become Sunday's matchsponsors and are donating 18 places in the sponsor's lounge - including a pre-match meal and the chance to meet coach Gary Mercer and players - for auction as a fundraiser.

Each place is usually valued at £50 and bids can be made until 9pm on April 7 by calling the club on 0161 628 3677 or visiting the website at www.roughyeds.co.uk.

The Roughyeds will be under-strength on Sunday with Gary Mercer sweating on the fitness of Jon Goddard (finger), Carlos Mataora (groin) and Damian Munro (shoulder).

Definitely out is skipper Ricky Bibey who received a one-match ban (high tackle) from an RFL disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. However, Alex Wilkinson will be available as his case (biting) has been adjourned until next week.

Mercer said: "Doncaster are an unpredictable side but they have a lot of strength and are very robust. We have to front up to them but we're at home again and those are the games you target to win as a minimum. We need to get that message into our vocabulary and our mentality."