Squeaky clean Darren gets his priorities right

ONE HUGE SMILE: Darren Butterworth of Church FC

THERE are two things in life that delight window cleaner Darren Butterworth, who is also the assistant manager of Oldham Sunday League fledglings Church FC.

They are making sure that the windows around Oldham are kept squeaky clean on his daily rounds and helping his young team to success by keeping clean sheets in his stints as the side's goalkeeper.

Actually, make that three things, as nothing gives 34-year-old Butterworth more pride than also watching his young family grow.

OVERALLS

On Sundays he swaps his overalls and chamois leathers for a Church FC tracksuit as he attempts to get his side on the upward rungs of the table.

There is no doubt that the enthusiastic and effervescent Butterworth has a local football pedigree, with previous experience at Heyside FC and AFC Oldham 2005.

Of his new club - Waterhead-based Church, who play in David Giblin Division One - Darren said: "We are probably the youngest side in the Oldham Sunday League but I'll tell you what we have some really good players here.

"They all stick together both on and off the pitch and it is good to see. We plan to keep on improving as we have done since joining the league at the start of this season."

Butterworth speaks proudly of his time between the sticks last season as Heyside thirds clinched the title in Reserve Division Four of the Huddersfield and District League.

Two years with AFC Oldham 2005 saw him manage the youth section to good effect but admits there were one or two minor difficulties to contend with.

Butterworth said: "It was nothing that couldn't be overcome. It was things like reminding the players to pay their subs on a regular basis and one day I had a bit of a clamp down and made sure everything got paid.

"Youngsters can be youngsters and then they grow up, develop behaviours and meet girls and that is obviously a big distraction.

"Overall it was an enjoyable effort and it is always good to see that development."

Butterworth would one day like to be involved with Saturday teams again, but insists that, for the time being, his family comes first,

"My family (Alfie is five and four-year-old Lillie) are my first priority these days," he said.

Butterworth has been a window-cleaner for ten years now and informs me that, unlike some of the AFC Oldham kids, he does get paid regularly from his rounds!

"I really enjoy my job and you get to know a lot of people," said Butterworth. "They are my customers and you become part of the community, which is good."

Butterworth cannot, however, bring to mind any 'Confessions of a Window Cleaner' moments during his time up the ladder!

Perhaps just as well - this is a family newspaper!