Oldham fight off rivals to keep Dallimore

Oldham half-back Jamie Dallimore has turned down approaches from other clubs to commit his future to the Whitebank Stadium.

Dallimore, 24, had attracted the interest of Cumbrian trio Workington, Whitehaven and Barrow, but the ex-Great Britain amateur international has signed a new one-year deal with the Roughyeds.

He said: “A few clubs talked to me, but as long as there was a decent offer on the table I was always going to stay at Oldham. All I wanted from the start was the right deal.

“That isn’t to say that it’s all about money. There’s a lot more to it than that.

“I’ve been happy at Oldham since the day I first walked into the club to play for the reserves. I like the set-up, I like the fans. I get on well with everyone at the club.

“I’m at my best as a player when I’m happy, so why would I want to leave.”

New coach Scott Naylor, who has already lost John Clough and Alex Thompson to Oxford, says Dallimore’s signing is a boost.

He said: “Despite other offers he remained loyal to Oldham, and I like that.

“He’s a very good player and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“As somebody who spent a year in the reserves before making a name for himself last season he is proof that the development systems at the club are working successfully, and that augurs well for the future.”