Buckley to blood teenage talent

CHADDERTON boss Paul Buckley has set his sights on a top-10 finish this season in the Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One — despite spending most of last term challenging for the title.

Prolific goalscorer James Curley’s decision to remain at the club represents a huge shot in the arm for Chadderton, who have lost the services of frontman Adam Edwards to FC United, while midfielder Gaz Morris has retired.

They entertain Abbey Hey on Saturday in the league curtain-raiser.

While many will fancy Chadderton to once again challenge at the right end of the table — last time out they secured sixth position after spending several months in the top-four — Buckley is not getting carried away.

He said: “I tend to target the top-10 every summer and this year is no different. If we finish there we will have done a good job.

“A couple of players have left and one or two young players are probably going to make the step up to senior level, so we are just going to have to wait and see how the transition goes.

“Mark Campbell is only 17 but is looking comfortable at left-back, and Mark Stevenson is a 19-year-old striker for whom we have high hopes.

“Everyone at the club is very excited about the start of the competitive action. We have been looking forward to it for ages.”

A winless summer of friendlies — Curley (two) and Matthew Chadwick scored for Chadderton who lost 8-3 in their latest warm-up game at Hyde FC last night — is not a major cause of concern for the manager.

He added: “The lads are frustrated at the way the results have panned out so far, but it is only going to make them more determined when the real business begins.

“The main thing in the summer is to achieve the necessary fitness levels, which they are doing. Anything else is a bonus.

“Some teams can win every game in pre-season but then fall on their face in the first league game, so you cannot read too much into it.

“I am confident we will be ready by the time Abbey Hey arrive.”

Chadderton host Cheadle Town in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on August 20, with the winners travelling to Trafford on September 3.

Should Buckley’s boys progress, they will be handed a home tie against Northwich Victoria two weeks later.

“It would be fantastic to have a good cup run,” said Buckley.

“There are potentially some cracking matches in that draw so I hope we can make it through.”

Chadderton’s final pre-season match takes place tomorrow at Marsden (7.45pm kick-off).