Oldham Rugby League director of rugby Mike Ford has resigned from his position with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to his three-year spell at the club.
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Ford, who was appointed in March 2023 as part of a new era for the Roughyeds, confirmed his departure in a statement in which he cited the “direction of travel” at the club as the key reason behind his decision to step away.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly,” Ford said, “but over the past few months it has become clear that the direction of travel of the club is not something that I feel I can be part of.”
Ford leaves after overseeing a significant period of rebuilding at Oldham, including the development of a youth pathway, the establishment of a women’s team, and the club securing its own training facilities. He also spoke proudly of reconnecting the town with rugby league, with young supporters once again wearing Roughyeds shirts.
Despite narrowly missing out on a return to Super League, Ford had remained confident Oldham were moving in the right direction — until recent events led him to conclude he could no longer continue in his role.
His resignation comes amid a tense and highly public dispute with local football club Oldham Athletic over the use of Boundary Park, the stadium where the Roughyeds play. The situation has escalated to the point where Oldham chairman Bill Quinn has reportedly been banned from the ground, adding further strain to relations between the two clubs.
The controversy has cast a shadow over Oldham’s progress off the field and has raised questions about stability behind the scenes.
Ford’s departure has also been accompanied by another significant exit, with assistant coach and pathway lead Callum Irving also stepping away from his role.
Reaction to Ford’s resignation has been strong, including support from his son, England international George Ford, who praised his father’s work at the club and suggested deeper issues were at play.
“Proud of everything you have done for the town and club of Oldham,” George Ford wrote. “It’s a travesty it’s had to come down to this… The team and people are always more important than an individual.”
With the new season approaching, Oldham now face an uncertain period as they look to replace a key figure in their rugby operations while also navigating wider tensions surrounding their home ground.
For a club that has worked hard to rebuild its identity and ambition, Ford’s sudden departure represents a major turning point — and potentially a significant setback — in their journey forward.
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