THE Oldham RLFC supporters group has called for answers and honesty from club owner Bill Quinn over the Roughyeds’ stadium issues and the sudden departure of director of rugby Mike Ford.
Oldham is currently unable to play its home games at Boundary Park because of a dispute with Oldham Athletic. On Sunday, Ford shockingly announced his resignation from the club after it was defeated by London Broncos.
The Roughyeds have also faced a winding order and reports of alleged financial issues.
The letter, published last night on social media, reads in full:
“𝙏𝙤: 𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙣
𝙊𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣, Oldham RLFC
We write this open letter on behalf of The Yeds Supporters Group, its members, and the wider supporter base of Oldham Rugby League Football Club.
As lifelong supporters, we have stood by this club through periods of success and significant hardship. Our support has been unwavering, driven by loyalty to the team, the town, and the heritage of rugby league in Oldham. It is therefore with deep concern that we now seek clear and honest answers regarding the current direction and stability of our club.
Firstly, supporters deserve to understand why Oldham RLFC is not playing its home fixtures at Boundary Park. Equally concerning is why the club is not playing within the town of Oldham at all. The continued absence from our Oldham home and community risks further eroding the club’s identity and connection with its supporters.
Secondly, the recent departure of Mike Ford has caused understandable alarm. Mr Ford was widely regarded as a key figure in the revival and rebuilding of Oldham RLFC. His exit raises serious questions about leadership, continuity and the long-term strategy for the club.
Supporters are also deeply troubled by reports that staff wages and pensions have gone unpaid. These are extremely serious matters which, if accurate, affect not only the welfare of employees but the integrity and credibility of the club as a whole.
In addition, there is growing concern regarding the number of ongoing or reported legal disputes involving the club, including matters relating to the Dance Event, Musgrove and Benidorm. Fans deserve transparency regarding the status of these issues, their potential financial impact and how the club intends to protect the club’s future.
You have previously stated, “It’s not my club, it’s our club.” While supporters welcomed this sentiment, it does not currently feel that way. Many fans feel disconnected, unheard and excluded from what is happening behind the scenes. If this truly is our club, then supporters must be treated as valued stakeholders and kept informed during times of uncertainty.
Finally, we believe it is essential to state that supporters have a right to know what is happening at their club. Fans spend hard-earned money following Oldham RLFC, often travelling significant distances and supporting the club with passion, loyalty, and personal sacrifice. Trust between a club and its supporters relies on openness and communication — both of which currently feel lacking.
This open letter is not written in a spirit of hostility but out of genuine concern for the future of Oldham Rugby League Football Club. We urge you to address these matters publicly and transparently and to engage meaningfully with supporters whose commitment helps keep this club alive.
Oldham RLFC belongs to its community, its supporters, and its history. We ask for reassurance, accountability and a clear vision that reflects those principles.
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆,
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽
𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗟𝗙𝗖 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀”