SEAN Long is still coming to terms with winning his first title as head coach after Oldham lifted the League One trophy at Boundary Park on Sunday.

The Roughyeds boss, who as an assistant has a wealth of experience with sides such as St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Samo as well as union side Harlequins, names lifting the title with Oldham as one of his biggest achievements.

And after Oldham’s season came to an end as they lifted the trophy and finished with one of the best defensive records in Oldham’s 148 year history, Long said he was “gobsmacked”.

“The pressure was on when I first came,” he said. “We said we wanted to put a team together which would win us promotion and we’ve done that, so credit to the players and staff.

“This season has been really unbelievable and a bit humbling. For me and my family, this is a very special moment – but it is also for the town, the board, the lads and everybody associated with the club.

“I’m immensely proud and It’ll take a while to sink in. I know we won it a few weeks back, but it still hasn’t fully registered. I’m still a bit gobsmacked, if I’m being honest.”

Defence has been the major focus for Oldham this year, and it has shown on the field, with the Roughyeds achieving their lowest points conceded average (7.2) since 1964 and the most wins to nil (7) in the league since 1911.

“We have created some history and that was the little carrot I’ve been dangling to the boys – we really wanted to keep them to zero,” he explained.

“I’m so proud of them because we have worked our backsides off since November

.”