MICHAEL Clegg has agreed to extend his stay as manager of Atherton Collieries, and is vowing to continue the club’s upward curve.

Since his appointment ahead of the 2014/15 season, Clegg has led Colls to three cups alongside two promotions that mean the club now competes at its highest level of football in its history, the Evo-Stik North.

The former Pennington and Atherton LR boss began by bringing a double to the Kensite Stadium, with a Hospital Cup win and the North West Counties League First Division title. Cup success also came with the capture of the League Challenge Cup in 2016, beating Colne 5-1 in the final.

The 2016/17 campaign saw Colls collect the Premier Division crown with 100 points, having scored 103 goals in the league season. And their incredible run of success saw the club reach the quarter-finals of the FA Vase.

This season the club earned a hugely creditable 10th place in Evo-Stik North as well as victory in last Wednesday’s Integro League Cup final against Coalville Town.

Little wonder, then, that Clegg is to sign a new two-year contract at Colls.

“I’m delighted to commit to my home town club,” he told the club’s official site. “I feel the momentum we have now is something I couldn’t contemplate walking away from.

“The fans on Wednesday were terrific, and that sealed it for me.

“The aim now is simple. It’s to progress each year, and to keep raising our profile.

“The current squad are as good as anything I’ve seen, they are a great bunch. They keep you on your toes, but they are all a pleasure to be around

“It makes me extremely proud to be the man chosen to keep the club moving forward.”