Roughyeds clinched the League One title after beating Keighley Cougars 20-12 at Cougar Park on Sunday - and Mike Ford admitted it surpassed his initial expectations when he took over the club back in 2023, writes Kasey Smith.

The club’s fortunes have transformed since the club’s takeover and the subsequent arrival of chairman Bill Quinn, who has invested heavily in an attempt to make the Yeds a force in the sport once more

“I did have a vision,” said managing director Ford. “But this victory has gone past what I thought was possible in such a short space of time.

“From where we were this time last year, to be in this position now – with a great bunch of people – it’s just remarkable.”

And the Roughyeds managing director is determined to make sure Oldham’s first title win in nine years is only the start.

Ford, as well as head coach Sean Long, have gone on the record explaining their ambitions of competing amongst the best in the second division next year.

With attendances having broken the 2000 barrier on a number of occasions, a remarkable feat for League One rugby, Ford is hoping the buzz will continue.

“I’m really pleased for the fans, and the players,” he said. “That crowd could double next year in the championship.

“The work starts now, but we will enjoy these next two weeks. We’re always stronger together – it’s not me, or Bill. It’s everybody. It’s not my club, it’s our club.

“It’s such a fantastic day for everybody – the chairman is happy, he’s invested a hell of a lot of money to get this squad together.

“You’ve still got to go out week in, week out to get the wins. I don’t think we played that well (in the win over Keighley), especially in the second half, but it’s a win and we are champions.”