Crompton strategy pinned on youth

Ryan Mayes

IT promises to be a long, hard summer for a CROMPTON side shorn of several key players.

Indeed, Crompton’s problems mirror those of neighbours Oldham at the start of the 2009 campaign and their aims are expected to be damage-limitation this summer and a long-term strategy based on youth development.

Former skipper Simon Wright, their inspirational all-rounder, is on his way to Bamford Fieldhouse in the Saddleworth and District League.

He will be sorely missed at Glebe Street, while others moving to pastures new include Ryan Mayes (Royton) and wicketkeeper Dane Fletcher (Oldham).

Last year’s skipper Glenn Dawson has retired, while overseas amateur, South African Chris Boschoff, is not returning to the club.

On a brighter note, Crompton have signed 24-year-old Matthew Needham as their professional.

The South African, who also holds a British passport and will therefore be free of the strict regulations relating to work permits, replaces Mohammed Zaman Khan, who has left the club to join Darwen in the Northern League.

Needham, who hails from the same KwaZulu-Natal team as former Unsworth professional Wayne Madsen, is a medium quick bowler and top-order batsman.

Carl Taylor will skipper the side and can expect plenty of young players in the first team.

This is an area Crompton are keen to develop and their prospects, particularly in years to come, hinge on the success of this section of the club.

SUNDAY’S FIXTURES

Ashton v Milnrow; Crompton v Walsden; Littleborough v Heywood; Middleton v Clifton; Monton & Weaste v Werneth; Norden v Unsworth; Oldham v Rochdale; Radcliffe v Royton.