Wilson’s salute to predecessor

SHANE WILSON . . . new Saddleworth Rangers chairman.

CRICKET:

CLUB stalwart Shane Wilson wants to build on the foundations laid by Terry Flanagan as he settles into his new role as chairman of Saddleworth Rangers.

Flanagan stood down as chairman of the Shaw Hall Bank Road club due to increasing work commitments, and Wilson (42), appears to be the perfect replacement.

His Rangers involvement goes back more than 30 years, and since then he has represented the club as a player at every level, before coaching the second team, assisting previous head coach Keith Brennan with the first-team, and currently being in charge of the under-eights squad — including his son Freddie.

Wilson feels the transfer of responsibility will be pretty seamless: “The club as a whole is in a good place at the moment,” said Wilson, ”and that’s largely thanks to Terry.

“He can’t dedicate the same time any more, though he will remain on the committee, so I just want to carry on his good work. He has laid excellent foundations

“I’ve a very good committee behind me. Their support so far has been terrific and I know that will continue.”

Though Rangers have begun their season with only one win in four games, Wilson remains a huge fan of head coach Emmerson Jackman.

“Emmerson and his coaching team are doing a fantastic job,” he said. “New players are still bedding themselves in, so once they settle we’ll be just fine.”

Rangers are in NCL Challenge Trophy action on Saturday at Leigh East.