COLLS AIM TO TOP THE POLLS

Boss Clegg has set his sights high

- By Chris Dunlavy

MICHAEL Clegg says Atherton Collieries must start thinking like winners again after arresting a dismal two-year decline.

Clegg, 41, guided the Lancastrian side to three promotions in five seasons before leaving in 2019 and subsequently managed Ashton United, Warrington Rylands and Macclesfield.

When he returned in August, however, Colls lay rock bottom of NPL Division One West and were in grave danger of suffering back-to-back relegations.

A sweeping turnover of players and a stirring new year revival eventually saw Atherton rally to finish 15th. Now, after a busy summer in the transfer market, Clegg is one again targeting a title tilt.

"We want to win the league," he says. "It's as simple as that. And with the players we've got, I don't see any reason why we can't be in that top-three push next year.