New challenges for Atherton Colls as NPL line-up finalised

Colls were relegated from the Northern Premier League’s top flight last season and will next year compete in NPL West.

They will be joined by Oldham side, Avro, along with two Wythenshawe clubs following a double promotion in South Manchester.

Wythenshawe AFC completed their second championship in two years in the North West Counties Premier Division, while their cross-town rivals, Wythenshawe Town ,were also promoted via a play-off victory over Bury, meaning both sides have been promoted to Step 4 for the first time.

Congleton Town end a quarter of a century exile from the league as a founding member of the First Division return as winners of the Midland League, with Stafford Rangers both completing the West set-up.

* NPL West Division: Atherton Collieries, Avro, Bootle, Chasetown, City of Liverpool, Clitheroe, Congleton Town, Hanley Town, Hednesford Town, Kidsgrove Athletic, Mossley, Nantwich Town, Newcastle Town, Runcorn Linnets, Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge Celtic, Trafford, Vauxhall Motors, Widnes, Witton Albion, Wythenshawe, Wythenshawe Town.

Meanwhile, Colls are looking for a new first-team kit manager at the Skuna Stadium ahead of the new campaign.

The club are searching for someone that can start ahead quickly and who is able to get to both home and away games throughout the season.

Responsibilities would include collecting kit and equipment from the Skuna Stadium ahead of matchdays, preparing the playing and warm-up kit before the game, sitting in the dugout during the game for general kit support, including substitutions, bench jackets, and general matchday equipment, helping tidy the changing rooms after a game, both home and away, packing all kit and equipment away and returning to the Skuna Stadium.

This is a voluntary role but is also a genuine chance for someone to get involved with and be an integral member of Atherton Collieries.

For more information, anyone interested should contact chairman Paul Gregory on 07811 341673.