Buckley eyes repeat

CHADDERTON manager Paul Buckley is aiming for a repeat of last year’s fantastic campaign after securing the services of all key personnel for another year.

James Curley, Leon Melia, Gareth Morris, Ben Grenwich, Lewis Maynard and Adam Edwards have all committed themselves to the cause following last season’s fourth-place finish in North-West Counties League division one.

Buckley said: “I think it’s always a good achievement if we get in the top half of the table.

“Top half is the aim but that said, no one has left the club so really we should be looking to pick up where we left off.”

Summer arrivals have mostly consisted of a number of youngsters who will mainly feature in Chadderton’s reserve side, but will look to break into the first team as the season progresses.

Pre-season is concluded on Saturday at Whitley Bay, with the league campaign getting under way seven days later at home to one of the favourites for the title, Eccleshall.

A week after comes the FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Irlam.

Buckley added: “I’m happy with the draw. To be honest we’re just delighted to be playing in the FA Cup, it’s a brilliant competition.

“Eccleshall on the first day is fine by us because everyone starts on a level playing field, we all believe we can beat each other.

“It’s only when you get further down the line with injuries and poor form that sides start to struggle and the fear factor kicks in, but at the start it’s the same for everyone.”