Atherton Collieries kick off summer recruitment with seven signings

The first of the septet to be announced was midfielder Freddie Gordon.

Gordon joined the Colls on a short-term loan deal from Morecambe towards the back end of the 2025/26 campaign, going on to make seven appearances.

The youngster, who has penned a permanent deal at the Dreams2Reality.co.uk Stadium, has also featured for the likes of AFC Blackpool.

Joining him in M46 for the upcoming season is Louis Potts.

Potts, 24, was most recently at Leek Town, where he made 31 appearances and scored nine times since joining the Blues in December 2024.

The former Preston North End forward has vast experience of both Step 3 and 4 from his time at Workington, Glossop North End, Avro, Mossley and Ashton United.

Atherton Collieries manager Danny Lafferty has added experience to his forward line with the acquisition of Connor Hughes.

The 33-year-old former Oldham Athletic player returns to the club for his second spell, after featuring on loan for the Colls in 2019 from Curzon Ashton.

Hughes brings a wealth of experience at this level, after featuring for the likes of Hyde United, Stalybridge Celtic, Ashton United and Witton Albion.

The club have introduced defensive reinforcements in the shape of Jack Sloan.

The 23-year-old centre-back was most recently enjoying his second spell at Trafford, and ended his stay at Shawe View with over 100 total appearances for the North.

Alongside this, Sloan has represented Avro, Clitheroe and Chadderton.

Young midfielder Harry Forshaw has also penned a deal with the Colls.

Based in the local area, Forshaw has featured for the likes of Atherton Town, Droylsden, Atherton LR, and, most recently, Daisy Hill.

After impressing in the NWCFL, he will now take on a new challenge at Step 4.

The Colls have confirmed the return of midfielder Remi Efunnuga.

Efunniga joined the club on a short-term loan from Ashton United in October 2025, featuring 13 times.

A former Stoke City academy graduate, the Nigerian-born midfielder has also featured for the likes of Stalybridge Celtic, Matlock Town, Mossley and Prescot Cables, and has enjoyed a stint in Croatia with Zmaj Makarska.

The final of the seven signings to be announced is centre-half Essa Janneh.

The 26-year-old defender, who hails from Eastbourne, began his career in the south with his hometown club, Eastbourne Town.

After spells at the likes of Welling United, Bognor Regis and Whitehawk, Janneh moved north to link up with Farsley Celtic.

Since then, the 6'5" centre-half has represented clubs such as Ilkeston Town, Ossett United, Prescot Cables and most recently, Ashton United.