Oldham returns to Shaw Lane to 'give something back'

Barnsley CC have pulled off a major coup by bringing in Yorkshire stalwart Steve Oldham as a coach.

The High Green man shot to prominence in the early 1970s after Barnsley gave him the chance to play in the Yorkshire League and eventually captain their first team.Oldham’s success at Shaw Lane led to 150 appearances for the Tykes before he embarked on a coaching career that saw him take on almost every role available at Headingley.

He was made redundant last summer but is seen as one of the foremost bowling coaches in the country and has  worked with England internationals Darren Gough, Matthew Hoggard, Ajmal Shahzad, Tim Bresnan and Ryan Sidebottom.

The 63-year-old is currently in India with the England Development Bowling Squad who are visiting the Dennis Lillee Academy in Chennai. Before he left he signed on as a coach at Shaw Lane and hopes his experience can bring the club more success.

“I feel like I owe Barnsley something,” said Oldham.

“They gave me the chance to play at a higher level than I had before and Yorkshire picked me because of that. I hope to repay them in the next year or two by helping them to get some success on the pitch. Barnsley is a big club with a fantastic set up and I want them to be the most respected club there is. After 40 years in professional cricket I would hope that I could bring something to the club. I am not coming here to lose. I am hoping to help them win some trophies.”