Linnets want to be like Wales

Sutton hailed the team spirit of the Euro semi-finalists in a message to fans following a summer of change at Victoria Park that has seen the appointment of a new manager in Dave Powell and a complete overhaul of the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club's playing squad.

Ex-Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic keeper John Filan, pictured, also joined Powell's touchline team last week as a first team coach and Sutton believes the new Linnets will give their "hearts and souls" like the Welsh did in France.

He said: "This is a new beginning for Burscough Football Club. We are starting from scratch - new manager in Dave Powell, first team coach John Filan and now we welcome Mark Wareing as the new physio, as well as a complete new collection of players.

"As you do, we also want the club to be successful but we all have to appreciate things will take time, so win or lose let us all give it a go. Be part of this new chapter and let us grow together. We want players who will give their heart and soul just like the Welsh team.

"They weren't the best paid or the highest profile players but they had pride, they wanted it, they sang louder then the rest and gave it their all. They made it to the semi-finals, who would of put money on that? This is what we want Burscough FC to do, build a community, a club that everyone wants to be a part of."

Born in Sydney, Australia, Filan joined Burscough last week after appearing for Wigan as a substitute in the 2006 League Cup Final when Mike Pollitt had to come off early in the first half with an injury. He also played in the Football League for Cambridge United and Doncaster Rovers, and in his native country for St George Saints, Wollongong Wolves and Sydney FC.

Capped three times by Australia, the 46-year-old returned to the UK in the summer of 2014 to become assistant coach to the U21s at Blackburn Rovers.

Image courtesy of www.rovers.co.uk

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