“He’s a rugby league legend” – Brian McDermott hailed as he attends first Oldham training session
Oldham assistant coach Brendan Sheridan is eager to pick the brains of Brian McDermott, who attended his first training session with the Roughyeds on Tuesday.
On Monday, Oldham announced the shock appointment of McDermott as a coaching consultant for the rest of the season following the departure of head coach Matt Diskin.
READ: Brian McDermott makes surprise rugby league return with Oldham
As coach, McDermott has won four Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, a League Leaders’ Shield and a World Club Challenge with Leeds.
He led the Rhinos to the treble in 2015 and he will now attempt to steer Oldham to Championship safety this season.
On McDermott, Sheridan said: “It’s a huge opportunity for me to be in a position to pick the brains of a man like Brian Mac. He’s a rugby league legend.
“I owe a massive debt of gratitude to Matt (Diskin) for inviting me to be his number two in the first place.
“Matt is a top guy and a top coach and I’ve learned a lot from him. It was a tough decision for Chris (Hamilton), who acknowledged that Matt had worked very hard.
“But we are looking ahead now and it will be all about buying into Brian’s knowledge, experience, ideas and coaching philosophies and seeing where it takes us.
“It’s a fresh start and the next ten weeks will define our season.”
McDermott enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning three Super League titles, three League Leaders’ Shields, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge whilst with Bradford.
The 51-year-old spent five seasons coaching Harlequins prior to his time at the Rhinos, and had most recently coached Toronto Wolfpack in Super League. He has also coached the USA on the international stage.
McDermott’s first game since linking up with the Roughyeds is against Bradford on Sunday at Bower Fold (3pm).
Elsewhere, Hunslet have sacked head coach Gary Thornton after four years in charge.
The 58-year-old was relieved of his duties following Sunday’s League 1 defeat to Coventry Bears, where Hunslet squandered a 44-22 lead to lose 46-44.