Somalia international makes Colls return as duo depart
Atherton Collieries have welcomed Somalia international defender Mo Ali back to the club, while confirming the departure of Alex Doyle and Connor Hughes.
Ali returns to the club having previously made 19 Colls appearances as a centre-half, defensive midfielder and full-back in 2023 and 2024.
He has subsequently turned out for Llandudno and Rhyl.
Beginning his career with Alphense Boys in the Netherlands before earning a move to ADO Den Haag, Ali has since become an experienced name throughout non-league, with spells at Northwich Victoria, Curzon Ashton, Warrington Town, Southport and Nantwich Town, amongst others.
Alongside news of Ali's return, the club have also paid tribute to two players moving onto pastures new.
Forward Hughes departs having returned to the club in the summer. In total, he scored twice in 15 appearances.
Doyle, meanwhile, joined in 2024 and has gone on to represent Colls 74 times, registering four goals and two assists.
He led the side out as captain for their first competitive fixture of the season - a 2-2 draw at Barnoldswick Town in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.
Opening up on the departure, Doyle said: “After a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club for making my time here so special.
“To my team-mates, the staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for all of the memories, support and good times along the way.
“I’ll leave with some great memories and a lot of respect for everyone connected to the club."