RAY Eccleshare, one of the Bolton Cricket League's most successful cricket managers ever, has taken up that position with Heaton for next season.

A top player and pro during his playing days, the Breightmet man led Tonge to great success in the late 1990s.

He has accepted an invitation to manage Heaton next season when they will be looking to finish high enough in the 21-strong single league to earn a place in the top tier when it splits to two divisions in 2017.

Heaton official Warwick Milne said: "Ray has a wealth of experience and is perfectly placed to help and guide our players.

"He has been there and done it, he's pro'd in the Association and he's committed.

"People like him who played when, in my opinion, the Bolton League was at its peak are invaluable."