Rochdale Hornets' Wayne English’s a golden oldie just like Ryan Giggs

Golden oldie Wayne English is the Ryan Giggs of Rochdale Hornets, according to Spotland chairman Mark Wynn.

Hornets’ boss Wynn hailed the durability and professionalism of club skipper English ahead of the Northern Rail Cup derby with neighbours Oldham on Sunday.

English (below) is a player who certainly leads by example and showed this last weekend against Gateshead.

Wynn said:  “Wayne really is like Giggs – he, too, is a first- class professional who has looked after himself and, by doing so, he has extended what's been a great career.

“Wayne is superfit, so enthusiastic and very influential.  He is very proud to be captaining his hometown team.

“He scored a try last weekend, set the trend and is one of those players who pops up right across the field.

“He has the heart of a lion. He puts his body on the line and will take the ball up at every opportunity.

 “Like I say, he is our Ryan Giggs. He keeps getting better and better.

 “We now look forward to the Oldham game because losing to them in the Law Cup recently really hurt.

 “We have a score to settle, we have a strong team to select from and are looking to build on our opening win.

 “We played some good rugby in patches against Gateshead.  

 “We know there is room for improvement but feel when we really hit our straps, some team could really be on the receiving end of a very heavy defeat.

 “We always relish a derby clash with Oldham.   We had key players out last time and were possibly a little complacent but all our ducks are back in a row and we are ready.

 “Games with Oldham always have a special edge to them – this will be no different. Like I say, losing the Law Cup hurt us and we must bounce back.”