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Who will be next for Mercer?

Carl Marsden
3/11/2004

NEW Oldham coach Gary Mercer took charge of his team this week amid a whirlwind of speculation surrounding the identities of players he wants to sign.

At present only one name, that of centre Damien Munro, is confirmed and there will now be a flurry of activity before pre-season training ahead of the 2005 LHF Healthplan National League One season starts in a fortnight.

Former Leigh utility back Munro, 28, served Halifax and Widnes before notching 42 tries in 46 games for the Hilton Park club.

He follows in the footsteps of his father, Geoff, a former Watersheddings winger.

Chairman Chris Hamilton said: "As ever, there's still an element of some players waiting to see what offers come in. But things have possibly been compounded by us having a change of coach, which has delayed things a little further."

Officials remain tight lipped about Mercer's other targets with Castleford prop Nathan Sykes and Halifax hooker Phil Cantillon among those rumoured to be the wanted men.

However, talks have been confirmed with ex-loan star and utility man Mark Roberts - soon to become a free agent - who remains a Warrington Wolves player "at present".

More of last season's players could yet join former player-coach Steve Molloy, Phil Farrell, Lee Doran and Ian Watson in leaving the club.

However, this week's speculation that Jon Roper has already signed for Whitehaven is said to be wide of the mark.

Retiring Keith Brennan now becomes under-21s coach while the future of Andy Proctor, formerly Molloy's assistant coach, will be decided when he meets Mercer face-to-face for the first time this week.