LEAGUE 1 ROUND-UP
ROCHDALE HORNETS' latest re-signings typify what the club stands for, according to chairman Andy Mazey.
Academy graduates Ben Forster and Dan Nixon were handed first team opportunities earlier this year and have been rewarded for a number of impressive performances with new deals at Spotland.
"These are two kids that Matt (Calland - head coach) has brought through the Academy at Hopwood Hall College that we were able to give opportunities to this year," said Mazey.
"Ben played eleven games and Dan played ten and keeping them on board is very much within the theme of what we are looking to do here.
"They are local lads and we want to give local lads an opportunity.
"Matt, myself and the club are all about that now. We want to see Rochdale lads in Rochdale shirts and when we do bring other players in, they are brought in to compliment these lads and that philosophy. And those younger lads can also then learn from guys like Gregg McNally."
OLDHAM have added some youth to their ranks with the signing of two Super League academy graduates.
Former junior England international swimmer Tom Grierson has spent the last four years with Huddersfield Giants after giving up life in the pool. Prop David Mills has joined from Warrington Wolves and, despite being a Littleborough lad, is almost classed as another local talent in Stuart Littler's squad after spending much of his key development time at Oldham St Annes.