Mossley look to shine

McClelland: I want to play the right way
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: ‘LET me entertain you’ is the message from Gareth McClelland as he enters his first full season in charge of Mossley.

The Lilywhites, with 15 new players on board, travel to Ossett Town on Saturday for the Evo-Stik League Division One North curtain-raiser.

And boss McClelland, who succeeded Shaun Higgins in April following a run of 10 defeats in 11 matches, has told fans to expect movement and skill from his side.

He said: “We received positive feedback at the back end of last season because we tried to play the right way, and we take that philosophy into this campaign.

“I like my team to pass the ball around and we also have plenty of pace down both flanks, so hopefully people who come along to the matches will go home feeling they have been entertained.

“Preparations have gone well this summer and now we are looking forward to the competitive action.”

Former Hyde United and Altrincham midfielder Peter Band, who now plays at the heart of the defence, has been named skipper.

McClelland believes Band, along with fellow seasoned veterans Steve Halford and Mark Innes, are key additions to an otherwise youthful squad.

“They are big characters who will help the younger lads during a long, hard season,” he added.

“Peter knows these lower leagues inside-out. Steve is an imposing figure at the back and was a big player for Droylsden, and Mark has been there and done it in the league, including his spell with Oldham.

“We will be relying on them, especially while the young players who are new to the club settle in.”

McClelland has set his sights on a mid-table finish and at least one cup run this term.

Mossley host AFC Liverpool or Runcorn Linnets in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday, September 3. He continued: “It won’t necessarily happen for us straight away because it is pretty much a brand new team and people are getting used to their new surroundings.

“If we can finish half-way up the table it would be a result for us. A cup run is important, not just from a financial point of view but because it grabs people’s interest.”