ATHERTON captain Calum Barlow is expecting no shortage of challengers for promotion in the Bolton League Association Division this season.

And after a couple of years of not challenging at the top his team are talking about being one of them this time around.

“From the end of last season we have only talked about promotion and getting into the top division,” he said.

“With our ground and facilities it’s where we should be.

“There will be five, six, seven teams who will think they have a good chance of going up too.

“Daisy Hill will be up there and Adlington will not be far behind and there is always a surprise package which could be Little Hulton who have signed six or seven randomers, so keep an eye on them.”

Atherton could score quick runs if Barlow’s assessment of their big two signings proves right.

The Higham Park side have brought in ex-Lostock all-rounder Adeel Baig from Flixton as pro and Australian Dave Tantsishal as overseas amateur.

“I played with Adeel at Little Hulton for half a season and he’s an explosive batter,” he said.

“Tantsishal is an opening bat and he’s pretty explosive too. He’s not going to hang about.”

Atherton have also brought Dale Tyrer back to the ground where he played for a long time, but the man signed from Golborne will not be available for two months after breaking a bone in his leg.

Jack Shovelton has returned to Adlington after a season at Higham Park, and Amar Ullah has joined Spring View.

Barlow, whose team kick off the season with an away game at Astley Bridge tomorrow in the Peter Stafford Trophy, thinks the new two-division system and introduction of promotion and relegation will be good for the league.

“It makes it a lot more competitive,” he said.

“If at the end of the season teams are not going for promotion will still be trying to upset those who are so it keeps everyone involved.”