News: Retained List

Atherton Collieries are pleased to announce that the squad who helped them win the NWCFL Premier Division will be sticking together ahead of the 2017/2018 campaign. Retained: Vincent Bailey Mark Battersby Nathan Battersby James Brooks Bradley Cooke (Captain) Jordan Cover Jamie Forbes Matthew Grimshaw Ben Hardcastle Jake Kenny Daniel Lafferty Darrhyl Mason Joshua Messer Henoc Mukendi Gareth Peet Adam Reid Robert Sadler Dave Sherlock Mark Truffas Liam Wood Released: Johnny Gorman - Returns to parent club, Curzon Ashton George West - Returns to parent club, Stockport County Manager Michael Clegg has spoken with excitement ahead of the new season and is looking forward to having a settled summer. He explained, "It's been fantastic to have full commitment from all of the lads for another year running. They all buy into what we're building here at Colls and that makes the job easier from my perspective," "It's great to have Jordan Cover and Ben Hardcastle agreeing to sign contracts with the possibility of more joining that list," "An added bonus is that Liam Wood will be staying with us after trials at Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool. We felt we were going to lose him and it's been a boost to be able to keep hold of him for the time being." "Johnny and George have both left us to return to their parent clubs and we would like to thank them for their efforts over the last few months of the campaign and naturally wish them well for the future." With regards to bringing new faces in, Clegg has stated that he doesn't think there will be many changes at The Kensite Stadium this summer. He said, "We have a couple of players who we are currently in talks with and they are keen to join us. It would be great to bring both of those two in and it would show a real sign of intent for the upcoming season." He added , "The pressure is off us next campaign, so we're just going to carry on working hard together and see what adventure we end up on this time around!"