Paul Crook, a key member of the Whitehaven side which reached the League One play-off final, is joining Oldham for 2018.

A splendid goal-kicker and clever tactician Crook had joined Haven a year ago after spending seven years with Rochdale Hornets.

After his switch to Oldham had been announced, Crook said: ““I was grateful to Carl Forster and Whitehaven for giving me an opportunity in Cumbria last season where I enjoyed my time.

“However, I do have a young family at home and the travelling got a bit too much.

“It will be a new challenge for me at Oldham. The plan is to go all out for promotion and I’m looking forward to that challenge.

“I’ve been in this position before (leading Hornets to promotion in 2013 and 2016) and I’d love to do the same for Oldham and help to get them back to where they should be.”

Scott Naylor, the Oldham head coach, had identified Crook as a player who could do the team a lot of good following their relegation from the Championship.

During his seven years at Rochdale he clocked-up 1,499 points to break an all-time club record that had remained intact since 1934.

St Helens born, and still living there, he played briefly in the Super league with Widnes in 2005 and had spells with Doncaster and Swinton before starting his long allegiance with Rochdale.

In a Twitter dialogue which followed the Oldham announcement, Haven coach Carl Forster said: “I can’t thank this man enough for the commitment in the last 12 months. Wish you all the best mate. It's been a pleasure yet again.”

Crook, 31, a PE teacher at Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willlows, responded: ”The pleasure was all mine pal! We had a great year and appreciate everything you did for me.”

Haven chairman Tommy Todd said: “We knew he was contemplating his future and I think it was mainly the travelling which swayed him.

“We can understand that and wish him well after parting on good terms.”