Blues launching new team to bridge gap

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Clitheroe are hoping to field a new youth team in next season’s Lancashire Sunday League.

Following more than six months of detailed discussions with representatives from Clitheroe Wolves, the First Division North’s Blues are forming a new side to bridge the gap between the oldest age group run by Wolves at U16s and men’s football.

Clitheroe’s application will be considered by the Lancashire Sunday League at its AGM in June. If successful, home games will be played at Shawbridge. Tom Bartlett, currently manager of Langho U18s, has been appointed as the team’s manager and a core of volunteers, drawn primarily from the Wolves network, has been assembled to help him in training and on matchdays.

Clitheroe Chairwoman Anne Barker said: “Having had a long personal association with Clitheroe Wolves and experience in the provision of youth football, I am delighted that Clitheroe Football Club will become the next logical step for young men hoping to represent their town in their chosen sport. I wish Tom and his teams both on and off the field of play every success and assure them of my total support."

All being well, Clitheroe’s newest manager is looking forward to starting work this summer. Bartlett said: "It has long been my dream to see young players from Clitheroe wearing the Clitheroe shirt for the senior team. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity and cannot wait to start to run trials once the club’s application has been ratified."

Blues manager Simon Garner, pictured, believes the new team will play a key role in the club’s future development once it is up an running.

He added: "I have often stated my desire to see the core of the first team built on talented, young players from the area. This is another building block in that process and we look forward to working closely with Tom and fostering links between the two teams."

Image courtesy of www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk