Gee to play on with Oldham

Sammy Gee has postponed plans for retirement and will play on for another season with Oldham next year.

Nearing 30, and having recently become a parent, bricklayer Gee returned to his day job yesterday after a month off because of severe ankle-ligament damage sustained against Bradford Bulls at The Provident Stadium.

He has signed a new one-year deal to cover what will be his fifth year at Oldham.

Gee saidL “This was going to be my last season, but the thought of just fading away injured was a real sickener.

“I hated telling my boss at work that I needed a month off, but after his initial shock he was very supportive.

“He insisted that I should sign up for another year with the Roughyeds.

“I’m happy to play in any position on the team for the good of the squad.

“I could cope with that in League 1 but the leap to the Championship is massive and I’ve talked with Scott about playing more in the middle next season rather than filling in at fullback or centre.

“I don’t need surgery on the ankle, but I’ve torn every ligament and its still going to be four to six weeks before I can do any light running.”

Oldham coach Scott Naylor said Gee’s versatility made him extremely valuable to the squad.

“He’s also reaching his peak as a player, particularly in his reading and understanding of the game,” Naylor said.

“He’s been happy to play all over the shop, but next season we’ll be looking at playing him in the middle more, say loose-forward or hooker, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes.”