On the back of the historic FA Vase win at Penrith, Atherton Collieries are launching another themed day out for the next round on Saturday 7th January.
The 4th round draw, which saw Colls go into the hat for the first time in the clubs history, has presented a very tough away trip to one of the favourites for the Vase, Shildon.
Last years Northern League champions knocked out the 2014/15 winners North Shields in the last round and both players and management are calling on another strong Colls following to make the trip north. The 'Crazy Gang' made up the vast majority of the crowd at Penrith in the previous round and the effort and atmosphere that generated was not lost on the players and management. Midfielder Vinny Bailey commented explaining, "From the moment we walked out of the changing rooms before the game, we could hear the fans singing it give us extra motivation." "They have played a huge part in getting us to where we are in the Vase this season. It means a lot having them there each week. If you saw the scenes after we scored it is evident how much they are appreciated by us all." Manager Michael Clegg echoed the thoughts of Bailey, and described the victory at Penrith in a positive manner, "It is one of the best days I've had at the club" he explained. "I said to the players before the game over that nearly 150 people have travelled up and given up their Saturday afternoon to watch us play. We owed every single one of them a performance" "The followings that we are taking away now is absolutely brilliant. This was evident again at Padiham on Friday night." "When the fans turn up in numbers it gives us all an extra responsibility to perform and makes us play with pride. We realise that these people have given up their time and money to come and support us. Some may even have lost a days pay, so we are always determined to pay them back with a big result and performance. Thankfully we have done in the last few rounds." "The main thing is, we are a family club and are always together. On Saturday we need the support more than ever to get past one of the favourites for the competition! If we do, it will go down as one of the best days in the club's 100 year history." So, having spoken to the players they have come up with a dress theme for the fans. We will be playing in our green away kit and the fans are being asked to also adopt this colour for the day. Please let everybody know that they need to wear green and if they have a drum or any other instrument that can join Cleggy's Midnight Runners for the afternoon they are welcome to bring it along and make some noise. We have sold two full coaches and people are also making their own way up there. It means over 100 fans will once again be making the trip. Thank you to every single one of you.
