Transfer: Chris Lynch joins Colls

Atherton Collieries have today signed former Salford City captain Chris Lynch. The experienced defender arrives from Altrincham. Lynch signed for Salford during the summer of 2014 having previously been club captain at neighbours Ashton United. He had started his career with Wigan Athletic before moving into non-League football with Altrincham and Hyde United, followed by a spell in Australia with Sorrento. Upon his return to the UK, Lynch signed for Ashton and was a key member of the side who made it to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs. Salford`s then-boss Phil Power brought Lynch to Moor Lane in June 2014 and immediately installed him as captain of a side put together to launch an assault on the NPL First Division North title. Manager Michael Clegg has been working hard behind the scenes to sign Lynch and as he explains it's a great addition to the squad. "Chris is a massive signing for us. He is a lad with loads of experience; a true leader and someone who can really help us adapt to life in the Evo-Stik," he explained. "I go back a long way with Lynchy and he is the fiercest competitor there is. There was a lot of competition for his signature but he is coming to the stage in his career where he can't really committ to loads of travelling but still wants to be in a side that's wanting to achieve things." "He lives 2 miles from the ground so this move suits both us and himself." "I think it shows that this year we are looking to compete and enjoy ourselves and we are definitely doing that." We would like to welcome Chris to the club.