Steve Molloy Is New Oldham Coach


Good Luck Steve !!
By Nigel Vincent
July 2 2002

As widely expected the Roughyeds have appointed Steve Molloy as coach until the end of the season, when the position will be reviewed. Molloy is ORLFC's third coach so far this season and takes over following John Harbin's shock decision to quit ORLFC in order to take up a job with Oldham Athletic..

STEVE MOLLOY TAKES OVER AS OLDHAM COACH

Steve Molloy has been appointed as the Roughyeds new player-coach until the end of the current season. The club will then review the situation and will decide whether to offer Molloy the position on a long term basis.

Molloy is an ex England captain and is highly respected throughout Rugby League. He is now in his second spell at Oldham and had signed a contract until November 2002.

The front row forward has also played for Featherstone, Sheffield, Warrington, Leeds, Huddersfield and Batley. Molloy previously had a loan spell at ORLFC at the end of the 2000 season and became a firm favourite with Oldham fans and made a big contribution to the clubs sucessfull end of season run. He then signed for Huddersfield Giants who were at the time still a Super League club although Oldham wanted to sign him permenantly.

During Mike Fords reign as Oldham coach is known that Fordy tried to persuade Molloy to sign for Oldham, but the player and the club were unable to agree personal terms so Molly instead signed for Batley Bulldogs, his hometowm club.

Steve Molloy takes charge of a Roughyeds side who are currently in twelth place

in the NFP and are suffering from both inconsisitency and the effects of the already playing under two different coaches this season. Mike Ford's sudden departure to take up a position with the Irish RU was seen has a massive blow, but Oldham quickly appointed John Harbin who seemed to be turning things around. Harbin resigned following Sunday's match at Hunslet to take up a job with Oldham Athletc.

Many supportes believe that the Roughyeds season is already over and the club are struggling to break into the top nine and seem to stand no chance of qualifying for this seasons play-offs. Again qustions are being asked about ORLFC's long term future as the club seems to be in turmoil and the board apparantly powerless to resolve the situation.

Roughyeds.net wishes Steve Molly well in his new appointment and hopes that he can turn Oldham's season around !