Despite a turbulent season off the pitch, Oldham have enjoyed some very strong results on it and that’s seen the Championship rugby league club confirm a new deal for head coach Alan Kilshaw.
Kilshaw was brought into the club back in February, taking over from then director of rugby Mike Ford, who himself had taken over after the shock departure of Sean Long.
Long had helped Oldham win the League One title in 2024 before guiding the Roughyeds to a fourth-placed finish in 2025, however, his exit prompted change and Kilshaw now looks set to surpass last year’s impressive finish.
His side currently sit third in the Championship and are set to land themselves a strong tie in the upcoming play-offs, with Oldham having won 18 of their 21 league games, all whilst major off-field change has been going on.
Oldham were effectively barred from their home ground by the football club, whilst chairman Bill Quinn has also left the club, however, that didn’t impact the form of Kilshaw’s team, who went on a 16-game winning streak that saw them solidify their strong position.
Having lost two of their first three games, one of which came against unbeaten London, Oldham have kicked on and their most recent victory, a 31-30 win over contenders Sheffield, highlighted how far the club have come under Kilshaw.
As such, it’s no surprise to see that they have committed to him for 2027 with his contract also including the option of a further year.
Most Read on Serious About Rugby League
The Wheels Have Fallen Off At Castleford! Huddersfield Giants Leaving Town In £10M Stadium Move?! – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show!
Oldham rugby league confirm new deal for Kilshaw
A club statement confirmed the news of Kilshaw’s new deal, announcing: “Alan Kilshaw has signed a new contract to remain as the Roughyeds head coach for the 2027 season, with the option of a further year.
“Under Kilshaw’s stewardship this year, Roughyeds enjoyed the third-longest winning run in the club’s history, putting together 16 consecutive victories.”
They’ll now take on London in a massive test of their standing, and they’ll do so on the back of the positive news around Kilshaw’s future.
Speaking on his new deal, the 43-year-old said: “I’ve been really enthused by the new leadership and the direction they want to take the club.
“I’ve already started building some really solid relationships, and it feels like everyone connected with the club is aligned and wanting the same thing: success.
“This club means a lot to me already, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve started to build together.”
Chairman Terry Flanagan added: “The Board is delighted that Alan has extended his contract for another year, allowing us all to build next season on the hard work that has gone in this season so far.
“The club has had a few difficult moments, but Alan has kept the players and camp very focused on delivering top performances and we hope a few more still to come as we enter the play-offs stage of the season.”
The boss is staying. ✍️
Alan Kilshaw will lead the Roughyeds into 2027.
— Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) August 11, 2026
