Chief executive Hamilton ends his association with Featherstone Rovers
Chris Hamilton has agreed to help with plans to refloat the Featherstone Rovers club if he can, but has left his role as chief executive.
Hamilton was appointed as CEO after the end of last season and was one of two men to set up a new company that aimed to run the club in 2026, along with Mark Campbell.
But the pair could not save the financially strapped Rovers from going into administration, which ultimately cost the club its place in the Rugby league.
Hamilton, who until November when he helped set up Rovers 2026, had not been involved in the club previously, but had been a part of the boardroom at Oldham RLFC in the past and his experience there stood him in good stead for the fight at Fev.
But he and former chairman Campbell have now left the business they set up, leaving no-one in official control of club affairs.
Hamilton confirmed his departure via a statement that said: “I am sad to report that my time at Featherstone Rovers came to an end on 30 January 2026.
“People will know that it has been a very difficult time for me and the club which ultimately ended with the club being rejected for entry into the Betfred Championship for 2026.
“That decision, massive at the time, will continue to have knock on effects in the coming months and this decision is one of them.
“Clearly, with no 'rugby' income coming into the club, it is obvious that it is not economically viable for me to remain and therefore I made the decision to leave.
“I tried my best during my time at the club but sometimes you have to accept that some things are beyond your control. It is not easy to accept but nevertheless it’s true."
Hamilton added: “I will still be trying to assist and help where I can but I now am in the market for a job!
“I wish the club all the best in trying to secure its future inclusion in the league for 2027 because the game of rugby league is a poorer one without Rovers in it!”
Former Rovers player Luke Cooper, now at Batley, has taken to social media to put forward his view on the sad demise of the Featherstone club.
He said: "Absolutely gutted for everyone involved at Featherstone Rovers.
"If it wasn’t for Featherstone I among a lot of other players would have never had an opportunity to play professional rugby league.
The town is a hot bed for rugby league talent and having been around the club for a long time you see how much it means to the community.
"This is a loss for the RFL and rugby league as a whole, probably the most competitive club in the second tier of rugby for the last 20 years.
"The history of the club speaks for itself and it’s such a shame that the RFL have allowed other clubs in similar situations to be in the competition over the last few years but a club with the fanbase, history and community like Featherstone aren’t able to enter!
"I feel for the players who love the club and have waited for this to be resolved to be able to play for them again and try to rebuild to what it is. Had some of the best memories of my life at that club."