News: Trophy Parade at Leigh Centurions

Atherton Collieries are overwhelmed and humbled after Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont invited the players and officials of our club to be special guests at the upcoming Leigh Centurions v Wakefield Trinity match. In a news release on the Leigh Centurions website this evening, it was said that, "Winning the title was a fitting end to the club’s Centenary season and now the players will go down in folklore as the team that took Atherton Collieries to the highest level in the club’s history." "The Colls team and officials will parade the league championship trophy around the LSV pitch at half-time and be in the Premier Club for a presentation from the Leigh Centurions club." "They are assured of a great reception from the Leigh Centurions fans." Colls manager Michael Clegg said: “The squad are well up for coming to the game. It’s a great gesture from Leigh Centurions and something the lads will absolutely love. “Colls has become a little Leigh Centurions hub lately, a meeting point for a few of the Atherton fans before they come to the Leigh game, so there is definitely a link between the two clubs. “This season we showed that with ability, determination and desire you can go anywhere.” Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “I am really pleased for everyone at Atherton Colls and in particular Michael Clegg. Whilst this is massive in the club’s history and a surprise to some it is no surprise to me the success Michael has achieved with his group of players. “He is a really motivated and well liked lad which is vital for a coach that is going to bring not only the best in people but a belief they are better than they are and can achieve more than they ever thought possible. “He used to work in my business and from talking to him and even witnessing it myself I know he would die for that group of people. He is a really calm lad, a real genuine, likeable lad but he has a fire in his belly when it comes to his team and standing up for them. “We often spoke about rugby and also his successes and it doesn’t surprise me that he has absorbed some of those chats and applied them to his football team because that is the person he is. Driven, articulate and ambitious, a born achiever, but measured and respectful. “He came through the professional junior ranks so understands the game and the players and he respects them. I genuinely believe he will continue to grow in the game as he has those attributes. It makes it even more sweet when it is his home town team. “You could see they had something special when you watch the fantastic video they did for Ben’s Wish, a great gesture in itself but it had an underlying message I could sense. “I am really looking forward to applauding their fantastic achievement when they parade their trophy on their lap of honour and I know our fans will pay them a vocal appreciation of support. I am also looking forward to meeting them after the game and buying Michael a pint as he certainly deserves one!” Tickets are on sale now at the ticket office and online at www.leighsportsvillage.co.uk/tickets.