Colls to host 8 times Saudi Arabian Champions

Atherton Collieries are delighted to confirm that they will host 8 time Saudi Arabian Pro-League champions Al-Ittihad Club at Alder House in an international friendly on Wednesday 24th July (Kick off 19:00). Al-Ittihad are the oldest football club in Saudi Arabia and boast a list of honours having competed in the FIFA World Club Cup through winning the Asian Champions League in both 2004 and 2005. The Tigers are currently training in Greater Manchester and have also played a behind closed doors match against Bolton Wanderers. It is through our partnership with the Wanderers that this game has been arranged, as first team manager Michael Clegg explains. "Al-Ittihad are using Bolton as a training base this week and they wanted an extra game. I want to thank Simon Marland (Bolton Wanderers' Secretary) for all of his help with this one. He is an amazing person and he loves his non-league." "Something like this doesn't come around often. The whole experience is going to be incredible for our lads and for the supporters of this club. We are going to greet Al-Ittihad and treat them with the respect that they deserve." "Atherton Collieries are on an amazing journey, on and off the field and this is just another part of the story which will be spoken about for many years to come. I'm extremely proud to be the club's manager." Full details of the match, with admission prices will be announced in the next couple of days. For media and general inquiries for this fixture please e-mail: media@athertoncollieries.co.uk