Clive Smith Signs Contract

First player to put pen to paper this season is defender Clive Smith. Arriving midway through the season last year, the Timperley based player quickly made the right-back berth his own. Endearing himself to the supporters of the club with his committed performances. We are delighted that Clive will be remaining for our first season in the Northern Premier League. Clive came through the ranks at Preston North End, taking in loan spells at Bamber Bridge and St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League before signing for Southport in the Conference North. That experience will hold him in good stead next season, as we line up against several former Conference North sides. Speaking to us yesterday, Clive said: “Just like to say thank you for the opportunity I’ve been given, last year was fantastic for me. Everyone at Colls had made me feel so welcome and that sort of sealed the deal as I was allowed to enjoy my football. It was such an achievement for everyone at Colls winning the league, I know all the lads are raring to go for this season and hopefully we can follow in our footsteps from last season.” Echoing our sentiments, the manager Micheal Clegg added: “Clive came in from Droylsden in Decembe and has been an ever present since. He has maturity beyond his years and rarely puts a foot wrong. I think when you get a lad whose performances are so high, combined with his will to win and young age, you have to try and tie them down and build your team around them sorts.” “We really struggled at right-back until Clive came in, that’s because we had taken Jake (Kenny) for granted for so long. So now with Jake looking to get back too we have a really versatile right-hand side, allowing different options. I’m just delighted Clive has chosen to stay, with the interest he had from other teams. We look forward to helping his continued development”.