Rossendale Free Press

New rivals whet appetite for Brent

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THE North West Counties Football League this week announced the restructur­e for next season’s competitio­n – with several changes and reshufflin­g of clubs taking place.

Bacup Borough FC will restart the 2021/22 campaign in the usual surroundin­gs of Division One North. And with the reshufflin­g of teams taking place it now means that Borough will be joined in Division One North with some new additions. Campion AFC from Bradford, Ilkley Town AFC, South Liverpool, and FC Isle of Man will all compete next season in the North West

Counties. The other clubs to feature are AFC Blackpool, AFC Darwen, Ashton Town, Atherton LR, Bury AFC, Chadderton, Cleator Moor Celtic, Daisy Hill, Garstang, Golcar United, Holker Old Boys, Nelson, Pilkington, Steeton and St Helens Town.

When the news broke on social media on Tuesday afternoon there was a frenzy of excitement about an away day trip to the Isle of Man. Last season the newly formed FC Isle of Man were due to feature in Division One South but with Covid intervenin­g and making it almost logistical­ly impossible for them to travel to the mainland it was agreed with the league that they would step down for a season.

The introducti­on of the new teams was greeted with enthusiasm by Boro manager Brent Peters who believes the new destinatio­ns will be the source of great excitement for everyone at the club.

“I’m really excited to see new clubs coming into the league,” he said.

“Welcoming Ilkley Town, Campion, South Liverpool and of course the Isle of Man to Division One North is great news for everybody.

“Going to new places and playing against fresh faces is what it’s all about. And the inclusion of FC Isle of Man seems to have created excitement from all the teams in our league.”

Whilst touching upon the involvemen­t of FC Isle of Man, Peters reflected on some excellent team bonding breaks he had experience­d in the past.

“I’ve enjoyed some fun times with my teams on the Isle of Man,” he said. “We used to make it an annual trip for a bit of rest and recuperati­on at the end of a hard season. It’s a wonderful place and being able to take our young side over there to play one of our fixtures will be great. We’re not yet aware of how that will happen but I’m sure we’ll receive guidance on flights and accommodat­ion from the league over the coming months.”

The season is due to kick off at the end of July with league games and FA Cup preliminar­y fixtures scheduled.

The playing staff are now having a short break before training will resume in mid June.

 ??  ?? ●● Brent Peters and his Bacup Borough players will be making the trip to the King George V Bowl, home of FC Isle of Man, next season
●● Brent Peters and his Bacup Borough players will be making the trip to the King George V Bowl, home of FC Isle of Man, next season

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