Chadderton face struggle

CRISIS club Chadderton face a battle for survival on and off the field.

Manager Paul Buckley is under no illusions as to the difficult task of keeping the club afloat as they prepare to host Stone Dominoes tomorrow in their opening match in the first division of the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

Buckley’s squad has been decimated by an exodus of players after owners Tony Bhatti and Craig Halliwell withdrew their financial backing.

Players were no longer paid or received expenses while the club was saddled with a mountain of debts.

Buckley, who has been left with a handful of senior players and a group of youngsters, admitted: “After two seasons challenging for honours, which was brilliant, this time we are going to be fighting at the bottom end of the table.

“It is going to be a case of trying to consolidate, although even that is going to be a tall order.

“However, we have had a couple of good results and performances over the last week which have given the lads confidence.”

Chadderton’s owners have received a number of offers to buy the club and it was hoped a deal would be concluded before the start of the season.

That won’t happen so it is a case of muddling through until the matter is resolved.

Buckley added: “We are not expected to do anything so any wins we get will be a bonus.

“The main thing is for the players to try to enjoy themselves.”

In the opening fortnight, Chadderton play Stone Dominoes, Leek CSOB and AFC Liverpool – three of the promotion favourites –and also have a difficult FA Cup tie at Maine Road of the VNWCL, premier division.