SHAUN Lynch has upped sticks from one dugout in Atherton to another after 30 years.

A stalwart of Atherton Town who guided the club to 12 trophies in 18 years as a manager, competing at prestigious arenas such as Anfield, the Macron and the Millennium Stadium, has now taken up the reins at Atherton LR in the North West Counties League First Division.

Lynch had previously played for 12 years at Town and admits the move to Crilly Park will take some getting used to.

“I have a lot of happy memories there because I joined the club as a kid really,” he told The Bolton News. “But this is a brand new challenge. I’m starting from scratch really and it has reinvigorated me as a manager.”

Oddly, it is former LR boss Craig Jones, who has replaced Lynch at Howe Bridge-based Town, who play in the Manchester League Premier Division.

After a difficult campaign which saw LR win just four of 34 games, brighter times are envisaged with plans for an under-18s and under-21s team now in place.

Lynch expects to make a number of changes over the summer but is confident he will have a competitive squad, and has already been joined by assistant manager James McMullen.

“I spoke to Brian Hatton, one of the most experienced players here, and asked for a bit of advice,” he said. “We know where we have to strengthen.

“The captain Jimmy Dickinson will be staying but we accept there will be a bit of to-and-fro, especially with Craig going down the road.

“It’s a step up in level for us and there are aspects around the club we know need a bit of investment. But we’re right on the doorstep of Hag Fold and I think that’s something we can tap into for fans.

"I have a few friends there – and I've already been on the phone threatening them they'd better come and support us!”