Oldham sack Tony Benson

Oldham have sacked coach Tony Benson after they fell out of the Championship 1 top six at the weekend.

Benson, 45, has been in charge for the past four seasons, leading Oldham to three Grand Finals, but Sunday's 42-16 at Barrow proved the last straw.

Assistant Martin Roden will now take charge on a caretaker basis for the rest of the season, with the Roughyeds chasing a play-off place to rescue a disastrous season which has seen them miss out on a top four promotion spot.

Chairman Chris Hamilton said: "Despite what people may think it is always hard to tell somebody you are going to dispense with his services.

"Tony has been at the club for four years and has known, through no fault of his own, more than his fair share of difficult times.

"He has always bought into the ethos of the club and its situation.

"This year has been extra difficult for him because of the catalogue of injuries we have had for a big chunk of the season.

"He had earned the right to be given the opportunity try to improve things when the injury situation eased, but coaches are ultimately judged on results.

"I have, therefore, taken this decision now to give the club the opportunity to be best prepared for next season, albeit that there is still plenty for us to play for over the next three league games and hopefully in the play-offs."

Benson previously coached Leigh, and led Oldham to the Championship 1 Grand Final in 2009 and 2010.