Reigning champs sign up in search for challenge
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE FOOTBALL
THERE is plenty of action both on and off the pitch in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL as clubs prepare for the new season with friendly matches and adjusting to the demands and problems provided by Covid-19.
The clubs and management committee are working hard together to get new measures in place and also welcome the several new clubs into the league as the eagerly awaited fixtures begin, hopefully later in the month.
FC Bury are new to the league and they enjoyed a game at Altrincham Hale and Stretford Paddock played Urmston Town.
Sale Amateurs are the reigning champions of the Altrincham & District Amateur Football League (ADAFL) will make their bow in the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL this season.
Sale Amateurs are moving to pastures new in search of a new challenge after this ‘band of brothers’ enjoyed an immensely fruitful time over the last three years in particular, which have yielded league and cup triumphs.
This coincides with the stewardship of Dan Creely, whose reign as secretary has seen significant changes – including the move to the L&C – while also retaining a link to the club’s beginnings.
The passion for the club runs in the family, as Dave Creely, Dan’s Grandfather, set up Sale Amateurs back in 1987. His dad and uncles also appeared for the club, a tradition his involvement has continued.
Now, Dan enjoys the valued support of Mike Gleave, Sale’s manager, and both have input into the team’s on-field fortunes. Sam Nolan is the Chairman and in another link to Sale teams of years gone by, Scott Bowden is the Treasurer and, just as significantly, is one of three players who still turn out for Sale Amateurs and also did so for Dave Creely.
It has been key in fostering what is a “special” bond felt within the squad, evident with the achievements since 2017.
Off the pitch too, the club boasts some of the best facilities amateur football could wish for; under Dan’s watchful eye, Sale have moved from their old Manor Avenue playing facilities to Banky Lane at Mersey Valley Sports Club.
Dan added: “They are the best facilities around by a country mile and are at North West Counties standard.
“There is a seating area next to the pitch and the whole club has a good setup.”