FARNWORTH have pulled off the major signing of Imran Mirza as they build a side they believe will be capable of winning the Bolton Cricket League next season.

The Lavender Road club, who finished fourth last season, have taken Heaton star man Mirza and expect to add a new professional this week.

They have also added to their strength this week with the recruitment of Iain McLellan from Tonge and Jack Horrocks from Kearsley while having lost Curtis Anderton who has returned to Little Lever after one season.

Mirza's arrival is the standout transfer and will send a message around the Bolton League that Farnworth mean business next season.

He was a major success at Heaton, starring with bat and ball in leading them to their first trophy in 61 years when they beat Little Lever in the final of the Hamer Cup in 2014.

He was captain that season and then last season he was the club's standout performer, finishing sixth in the league batting averages and 12th in the bowling averages.

While he and the new pro will be the headline signings, McLellan's arrival is a sign of their strategy to have a strong team ethic and morale.

Difficult to get out - he was only out five times in 22 innings last season, albeit without scoring many runs - he rotates the strike well and is a strong motivator and club man.

Farnworth, who are looking to have a first-team pool of around 15 players including promotions for at least three of last season's second teamers, will be some people's favourites for the title next season following their transfer activity.

But they are likely to have competition from neighbours Farnworth Social Circle, Westhoughton and Bradshaw, with Horwich a potential dark horse.

Horwich have strengthened considerably since finishing second bottom last season, bringing in highly-rated professional Brett Pelser from Rawtenstall, Liam Bones from Ribblesdale League club Edenfield - where he took 62 wickets last season - and top Bolton League all rounder Phil Ingram from Greenmount who scored 850 runs and took 44 wickets last season.

They also have a strong junior section which is expected to boost the first team in time but may need one more top batsman to be a realistic contender for the title next season when the League expands to 21 clubs before going to two divisions the following year.

To date there have been 10 signings made by Bolton League clubs of which The Bolton News have been informed.

They are:

Brett Pelser (Rawtenstall to Horwich as professional), Liam Bones (Edenfield to Horwich), Phil Ingram (Greenmount to Horwich), Chris Evans (Greenmount to Bradshaw), Atiq-uz-Zaman (Bramhall to Bradshaw), Rick Hamblett (Kearsley to Farnworth Social Circle), Imran Mirza (Heaton to Farnworth), Iain McLellan (Tonge to Farnworth), Jack Horrocks (Kearsley to Farnworth) and Curtis Anderton (Farnworth to Little Lever).