LR plan minute's silence in memory of Riley
12:51pm Thursday 5th January 2012 in Non-League By Craig Nelson
ATHERTON LR will hold a minute’s silence for founder Joe Riley at Saturday’s home match with Runcorn Town.
Joe set the club up as Laburnum Rovers in 1956, initially as an under-14s side. Under his guidance, it progressed up through the league pyramid and was one of the founding members of the North West Counties League in 1982.
He passed away on Friday, December 30, and manager Phil Priestley has dedicated the club’s fight against relegation to him.
Atherton LR is undergoing a period of transition after its entire playing staff left the club at the end of last season.
Former player Priestley, aged 35, returned after ending his playing career with Leigh Genesis in the summer to take up his first managerial post, but has struggled to knit his hastily assembled young squad into a successful side.
Atherton LR are firmly at the foot of the NWCL Premier Division, with only 12 points from 23 games, but the enthusiastic manager believes they are now showing signs of a revival.
“Things are not actually as bad as they seem,” said Priestley.
“We have been very unlucky in recent matches when we have missed chances at crucial times and then been quickly punished.
“I have seen encouraging signs that things are coming together and I have told the players that now is the time to knuckle down and start turning those improving performances into results.”
Priestley admits that LR may struggle to get that run going against Runcorn Town on Saturday, who he has tipped as an outside bet for promotion. The Cheshire side are currently in fourth, six points behind league leaders Bootle but with two games in hand.
For a full preview this weekend's local non league fixtures, check out Friday's edition of The Bolton News.
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