Walshe returns as skipper

Mickleover Sports will officially unveil Liam Walshe as their new captain in the coming days after he returned to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club on Tuesday, writes Phil Matthews.

The versatile 32-year-old, pictured, was with Stafford Rangers in the Premier Division last season and can play in either defence or midfield.

He's back at the First Division South's Sports after a two year absence and was the top summer target of managerial duo Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood.

Hopkins was relieved to have finally signed Walshe with just over a month to go to the start of the new campaign and said: "We are so delighted to get him after chasing him all summer. He is going to be our captain next season."

Supporters should get an early chance to see their returning hero in action on Wednesday night when he travels with the rest of the Sports squad to Clipstone for a friendly run-out.

Looking ahead to the game, Hopkins added: "Tomorrow is all about fitness and getting game time under our belts. We will travel with a squad of 17 or 18 and give everyone 45 minutes of playing time. Formations will depend on who is playing at the time and nothing should be read into the way we line up at this stage."