Town heading home

Royton Town vice-chairman Phil Haigh (left) has handed over the team’s managerial reins to Mark Howard.

FOOTBALL: MANCHESTER League football will arrive in Royton for the first time when Royton Town FC take up residence at their new Broadway facilities next season.

The club has tenure on the new 3G pitch and changing facilities at Oldham Academy North.

This will enable the club to maintain its Level Seven status in the FA grading system - the major factor in leaving their home at Crompton Cricket Club.

In another major change, Mark Howard will replace Phil Haigh as manager of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League top-flight club in time for next season.

Even though Haigh has opted to step down as manager, he will be remaining at the club in an advisory capacity and will also be vice-chairman.

Haigh said: "It has been really hard this year and I just wanted a break from it for a bit.

"The club is in my blood, after all I've been there for the past 17 years as a player and a manager.

"Mark has experience as a manager at open-age level with Hollinwood and has done some great work with a number of youth teams in the area."

Town will test run their new facilities when they entertain Leigh Athletic in a league clash on May 4.