CLEGG LEAVES AN ATH-ER GO HERO

MICHAEL CLEGG says he didn’t take the decision to leave hometown club Atherton Collieries for Ashton United lightly.

- Matt Badcock

The 35-year-old manager has led Colls on an historic run of success winning three promotions in five years to take them from the North West Counties Division One to the BetVictor NPL Premier division.

Clegg and his management staff were approached out of the blue on Tuesday morning following Jody Banim’s departure from league rivals Ashton.

Banim’s side were aiming to bounce back from National League North relegation but have stuttered so far this season.

Clegg celebrated his 300th game in charge of Colls with an FA Trophy upset of Boston United, which set-up a first round draw with National League leaders Barrow.

Clegg and his management team begin their new job on Tuesday and, such is the nature of Non-League football, some players will likely follow.

But he says Colls will forever be in his heart and he leaves proud at all their achievements in an action-packed five years.

“Obviously it’s been so tough,” Clegg said.