Oldham confirm two more squad members

Kenny Hughes and Ben Davies have agreed new deals to remain with the club.

Hughes, 27 has totalled 123 games for the club since his senior debut in March, 2013, and has penned a new one-year contract.

“It’s good to have continuity,” said Naylor. “Kenny was one of several lads who were already at the club when I arrived and he proved last season that he has the undoubted ability to play at Championship level.

“He missed only one game all season and he never gives less than 100 per cent.

“He’s got a good engine; a great attitude; and he’s willing to listen and to take things on board.

“His two years in the Championship will have done him a world of good. He’s a good lad to have around and next season he should be one of the quality hookers of League 1.”

Davies, also 27 was happy to pen a new deal. “I’ve been at a few clubs in my time,” said the former Wigan, Widnes, Halifax and Whitehaven front-rower, “but Oldham are the tightest group I’ve ever been with, no doubt about that.

“We are all good mates together and I want to be playing with my best mates — that was a big factor in my decision to sign a new contract for 2018.

“Last season I thought we were strong enough to be challenging in the Championship, so it was a bitter disappointment for everybody when we went down.

“Serious injuries cut us apart, but if we can keep most of the lads together for next year we’ll have a good chance of going straight back up.

“I feel sure we’ll certainly be challenging.”

Said club chairman Chris Hamilton: “For a variety of reasons, last year was a difficult one for Ben. We didn’t see the best of him.

“Other clubs were interested, as they were in a few of the lads we’ve re-signed, but Ben was always keen to stick with us and repay the faith we showed in him.

“He’s shaken off a few niggling injuries, which will obviously help, and he’s a very experienced prop who should be a big player for us next season.”

The 2018 squad is starting to take shape for Oldham.

Adam Neal, Phil Joy, Danny Langtree, Gareth Owen, Steven Nield, Craig Briscoe, Jack Spencer, Ben Davies and Kenny Hughes have signed new deals, while goalkicking stand-off Paul Crook, prop Luke Nelmes and centre Danny Rasool have come in from Whitehaven, Halifax and Warrington respectively.