I am an Oldham fan and watched the Blackpool game.

Hatton played 6 (wearing 30) with that other ex Leyther (and Roughyed) Simon Svabic at scrum half.

He started off well exploiting some holes in our left sided defence as Blackpool jumped out to an early lead which they could not sustain.

Looked decent but as Oldham upped a gear and started getting on top up front his influence faded. Not a huge surprize in the circumstances.

A talented kid who needs to play first grade and nail down a starting position. A loan move to Blackpool along side experienced NL operators like Svab, Munro, Allcock, Ian Hodson, Craig Farrimond etc would appear to be a sound move at this stage.

been through all this before Matt last year mate, you can recall from a loan period at any tme the longest period is one month then its usually week to week but (as told to me by NK last yar) can be recalled at anytime during the period.

He won't get recalled unless we get some serious injury problems.

Let's hope he develops further as a player while at Blackpool and comes back an even more valuable member of the squad.

I'm sure he'll get some kind of game time with us later this season.

'Hitty' is unfortunate in being behind Jock and 'little legs' (and of course the invisible yorky man when he can be bothered to come) at hooker and Kelly doesn't rate him anwhere else.

Have you asked Neil whether he rates him or not?

Let's be honest if thats the case Neil Kelly isn't a bad judge really is he? I'd rather trust his judgement than anyone on here (no offence to any one else).

At the end of the day, if he's good enough in his own time he will progress into the first team, weather that be this seasonn, next season or he may even move on if the chance doesn't come for him at Leigh. At least he will be getting competitive first team rugby at Blackpool for the time being.

How can we sign someone, give him a contract and squad number then play him about 30 minutes gametime in a couple of friendlies and then decide hes not good enough, wouldnt the contract money have been better spent elsewhere, ditto with Cooky too. If this is correct
Sorry but it seems a case of face doesnt fit here.

Agreed.

So why give him a contract then in the first place?

Maybe that means that he does rate him, but does not think he is ready for the first choice spot just yet - so rather than him warming his ar4e on the bench week in week out NK has given him the opportunity of first team action at a level above what he'd get from playing in the reserves - thus keeping him 'honed' until the time is right?

Or he did rate him when he signed him - but that something else (that we are not privvy to) has altered his opinion?

Maybe people need to ask NK direct rather than speculate on here!!

I reckon - if he's good enough, with the right attitude, then he'll get his chance.