Defender James Brooks has left the club for NWCFL First Division side Prestwich Heys. Brooks, a fans’ favourite, joined the Collieries with Manager Michael Clegg in 2014 and made a total of 44 appearances. The defender’s only goal for the Colls came against St Helens Town in an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game on the 16th August 2014, Brooks carried the ball from deep in his own half, bulldosed his way through and fired a fine effort into the back of the net. Unfortunately, a nasty injury prevented Brooks from making any progress at Atherton, his return against Carlisle City in a pre-season game last year was a proud moment for everyone involved but again Brooks just couldn’t find his regular spot in Clegg’s side. Talking about the move, Clegg said, “He has been brilliant, so loyal and committed but so unlucky with injuries. Behind the scenes he has been a massive part of the success, but we felt in order to get his hunger back he needed a complete break away from Colls. He goes to one of my mates at Prestwich who thinks highly of him and he will be a massive asset. The door is never closed for James because we all know what a player he is with a run of games. He goes with everyone’s blessings”.
Match Preview: Morpeth (A)
December 1, 2023
Atherton Collieries head to Morpeth on Saturday 2nd December, aiming to break a duck which has led to the Colls so far never recording a
