Ex-rugby player at centre of oldham murder investigation named

THE FORMER LOOSE FORWARD WAS FOUND DEAD AT A FLAT ON THE ELDON STREET ESTATE 11:29, 02 Jun 2025Updated 12:17, 02 Jun 2025 The man at the centre of a murder investigation in Oldham has been

named as popular former Rugby League player Mick Martindale. The 50-year-old was found dead at a flat on the Eldon Street Estate last Wednesday night (May 28). A 64-year-old man was arrested

on suspicion of murder and later bailed. A spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners' Court, which covers Oldham, confirmed a file had been received in Mr Martindale's full name,

Michael. An inquest will be opened in due course. Mr Martindale played for Oldham Rugby League Football Club - The Roughyeds - in the late 1990s and was a well-known figure in local rugby

circles. Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said he made his debut for Halifax Panthers as a teenager, before moving to Wakefield and later Oldham and Rochdale. He won the National Cup with

Oldham St Anne's, the trust said. Mr Martindale coached at St Anne's after retiring from the game. Fans and former clubs have been playing tribute to the ex-loose forward known as

'Tricky'. Article continues below Oldham RLFC said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Mick Martindale. Mick wore the Oldham shirt with pride in the

late 90s, and was a well-known face throughout our community game, as well as in his coaching roles at Oldham St Anne's. The club sends its condolences to Mick's family and

friends. RIP Tricky." Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust described Mick as a 'larger than life character gone far too soon', adding he had 'remained popular and well

known figure in the amateur game'. Waterhead Warriors ARLC posted: "Waterhead are saddened to hear the passing of Mick Martindale. Sending condolences to Mick's family and

everyone at St Anne's rugby club." Saddleworth Rangers posted: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Martindale. We send our condolences to all his family,

friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace." Carl Hughes Spiers posted: "Just been told of the passing of Big Mick Martindale. Great Oldham character with the

film star looks and big personality. Rest in peace Mick. Love and respects to the family." Ex-player Mickii Edwards said: "Absolutely loved Mick Martindale and what a player he

was. Much loved by everyone... you will be greatly missed." John Bispham posted: "My apprentice was not only a top player... boxer... we all know he was a top fella. Gonna miss ya

Mick. I will miss the grin, the shadow boxing, the craic. You were a good bloke. RIP." Lee Durrant said: "It's a sad day for the rugby family, an Oldham St Anne's lad,

great guy, great player. Loved [by] many. "At times like this, rugby comes together. Farewell old friend, the game is over, the whistle's blown the flag we lower. "Thoughts to

his family and all who played along side him and against him. RIP big fella." On Sunday (June 1), Oldham St Anne's Rugby Youth club posted: "Very emotional day today at the

club. Our U10s paid their respects perfectly to a true legend of the game. RIP Mick Martindale. Gone but never forgotten." A murder inquiry was launched after Mr Martindale's body

was discovered at a flat on Eldon Street, at around 7.50pm on Wednesday, May 28. The cause of death is currently 'undetermined', but is being treated as 'suspicious',

Greater Manchester Police said. Article continues below Officers were carrying out door-to-door enquiries at the weekend as police remained on the estate 'for community

reassurance', GMP added. Mr Martindale's family has been informed and is being supported by specially-trained officers. Det Insp Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, said on Saturday:

"We are working hard to understand what has happened and get the answers his family deserve. At the moment, the man’s cause of death is undetermined, but enquiries are ongoing, and we

have made an arrest to progress this investigation forward. "We have already spoken to several people living in the area, but house to house enquiries are continuing throughout the day.

We would ask anyone who may have any information about the incident to please pass this onto officers, as it could be of great assistance."