Contracted trio signal early intent

Simon Garner and Ryan Parr are on course to turn Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Clitheroe into one of the clubs of choice for talented young players in the region.

Blues manager Garner and his assistant Parr are pictured signing Danny Morton, James Walker and Danny Wilkins on contracts until the end of the season with an option to renew for another, after the First Division club’s committee publicly backed them this week.

Despite now needing their mid-table side to mount a late run to have any chance of grabbing a play-off spot, officials were happy to signal their support for Garner and his focus on youth development by making the early investment in the next campaign.

Clitheroe Chair Anne Barker said: "The committee is fully supportive of the manager’s plans and we will do all we can to ensure that Clitheroe FC is not only competitive next year on the pitch, but also continues to reflect our aspiration to make the club the logical home for the cream of young, Non-League talent in East Lancashire."

All three players are tipped to go far after being earmarked by Garner to play key roles in his plans for next season as well as contributing in the run-in.

The versatile Morton, 21, has been impressive in every position he’s played in since stepping up from Barnoldswick. Walker, 22, has also impressed at left-back and in midfield since switching with from NWCFL AFC outfit Blackpool.

Midfielder Wilkins, the youngest at 20, joined from Bamber Bridge where he was one of their top performers before leaving in search of first team opportunites.

Garner said: "We are looking to create the nucleus of a squad to allow us to hit the ground running next season and it made sense for us to protect a number of our assets. Further contracts may well follow as players cement themselves in our plans.

"I am delighted that all three lads have agreed to commit themselves to the club. They have all joined the club since we came in and no matter what the results, have always shown their individual qualities.

"These signings are not only a positive statement of intent from the club but they also show that the players themselves can see that, both on and off the pitch, we are going in the right direction.

"We aim to finish this season as strongly as possible while building the foundations for next season. We are starting to get a more settled squad now and all the lads, old and new, are showing the right attitude and application to start turning results around.

"I believe that long term, all three players will play higher up the footballing pyramid, like so many former Clitheroe players have gone on to do in the past.”

Explaining why he rated all three so highly, he added: "Danny Morton hasn't a lot of experience yet at this level but over time, once we find his best position, I have no doubt he will become one of the best players at this level before moving up the leagues.

"James' attitude and ability have been impressive in both victory and defeat. He will improve in every game with experience at this level and again could definitely play higher.

"As for Danny Wilkins, I have played with a lot of good players in my career but Danny has the best feet I have ever seen. He can carry the ball and go past people in tight areas better than anyone I have come across before.

"Danny will only get better and I believe we will start to see him add more goals and assists once we establish a settled squad."