Mossley chief in high spirits

COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW NON-LEAGUE SEASON

MOSSLEY manager Shaun Higgins is in confident mood ahead of his first season in charge of the Lilywhites.

An air of optimism can be felt at Seel Park, with new floodlights up and a number of new signings boosting the first team squad.

Higgins can’t wait for the start of the UniBond League division one North season on August 21. Mossley are at home to Bamber Bridge.

He said: “I’m happy with our preparations. We have had a number of good work-outs in the gym and a full day with the army.

“Obviously it’s good to get the friendlies under way. We played Bala Town of the Welsh Premier League at home on Saturday, and we host Droylsden tonight.

“When you get a few matches under your belt you get a better idea of how well everyone is doing.”

Chris McDonagh has left the club for Curzon Ashton, but there have been plenty of arrivals in the last few weeks.

SIGNED

Goalkeeper Aaron Tyrer has signed from Trafford, while five defenders — Aaron Chalmers, Liam Coyne, Johnny Hardy, Rico Ramsey and Remi Salisbury — also joined the ranks.

Chalmers switched from Hibernian, Coyne from AFC Liverpool, Hardy leaves behind Abbey Hey, Salisbury swapped Formby for the Lilywhites, while Ramsey came from Oldham Athletic.

Midfielders Nathan Kilcourse, Ben Lysons and Chris Rowney, who made an appearance from the bench in Athletic’s first team last season, have also left the Boundary Park outfit to join the Higgins revolution, along with fellow middle men Mike Brickhill from Stalybridge Celtic, Atherton LR’s Paul Socha, and Daryl Weston of Ashton United.

The striking department has swelled with the additions of Leroy Chinthengah, who arrived from Leigh Genesis, and Radcliffe Borough’s Mark Connor.

Higgins added: “Luckily the vast majority of players I’ve signed are used to playing in three different positions, which in a long, hard season is very handy.

“We have a good idea of the formation we want to use but it will be flexible in every match so we can mix it up a bit if need be.”