ATHERTON Collieries have turned to a familiar face to lead the club following manager Michael Clegg’s departure.

Former captain Brad Cooke has taken over at the Skuna Stadium, though he will not be on the touchline for his first match, at home to Hyde United this Saturday.

Instead, he will be wishing them well from afar when he gets married. In his enforced absence his assistants Chris Lynch, another former Colls player, and Rob Sadler will be taking charge for Saturday’s fixture.

The former midfielder appeared 265 times – scoring 39 goals – for Colls during his playing career, occasionally featuring as a makeshift attacker, defender and, on one occasion, in goal when he pulled off the match-winning penalty save in a Lancashire Cup tie at Radcliffe.

His six-year spell with the club saw him lift the North West Counties Division One and Premier Division trophies as well as the Macron Cup and Evo-Stik League Integro Cup.

Following his departure from Colls Cooke joined, and captained, Northwich Victoria and they won the Mid-Cheshire Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

After calling time on his playing career, Cooke was named manager at West Didsbury and Chorlton in June. He leaves West in good shape, with them occupying sixth place in the North West Counties League First Division South.

“I am delighted to be back at a club which is so close to my heart,” he told the Colls website. “The last 48 hours have been really tough. But when your club comes knocking you simply can’t say no.

“I am hugely grateful to West Didsbury for giving me an opportunity with their fantastic club.

“The way they have dealt with this situation has been nothing short of first class – as expected. Thanks to Paul Gregory and the committee for believing in me so much by giving this opportunity. It’s one I will take with both hands.

“This club and the community runs through my blood and will give everything I have to continue the great work that’s been done to date.

“The hard work starts now, and I promise we will give it everything we have got. Unfortunately I will miss Saturday’s game against Hyde as I am getting married – I tried cancelling but had no luck.

“My staff will be taking the game against Hyde and my first game will be against Barrow. I look forward to seeing you all then. It feels good to be home.”

Paul Gregory, Colls’ chairman said: “On behalf of myself and my committee I would like to welcome Brad Cooke and Chris Lynch as the new management team at Atherton Colls.

“The buzz around the ground on Saturday was electric when word went around we were interviewing Brad for the job. Brad is a Colls legend with black and white running through his veins, plus a really popular person around Atherton.

“I have spoken to Chris and he is honest, enthusiastic and a winner, as his playing career would suggest.

“I must thank our old management team of Michael Clegg and crew, without them we would not be where we are now. I wish them all the best, as long as they remain below us in the league. Here’s to a new beginning and a fantastic future.”

Clegg had steered the side to three promotions in his stint at the helm, which began in 2014, but has now taken over at Ashton United, a side also in the lower reaches of the BetVictor League Premier Division.

In the North West Counties First Division North, Daisy Hill were 3-1 winners at home to Pilkington.

Sam Howell’s goal for the Daisies separated the teams at the break and after James Bateman doubled their lead, man-of-the-match Jamie Ramwell sealed victory with a third goal 20 minutes from time, shortly before the visitors grabbed a consolation.

Atherton LR went down 4-1 at AFC Darwen, with only an own goal to their credit.

In the Lancashire Amateur League Division One, Blackrod Town won 4-1 at home to Accrington Amateurs.

In the Manchester League Division One, Atherton Town were knocked off top spot with a 3-2 defeat to Boothstown, who take over at the summit.

Jordan Lloyd and Gareth Shaw were the scorers for Atherton, who had Leon Berrisford sent off.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club had a better afternoon, winning 4-0 at home to Leigh Athletic.

Craig Bingham, Scott Locke, Keane Mills and Adam Spencer were their goalscorers.

Tempest United are the new leaders in the West Lancashire League Premier Division, taking over from Slyne-with-Hest after a 2-1 victory at Fulwood Amateurs, Alex McClerg and Jake Hilton netting.

Simon Whaley scored the only goal of Turton’s game at Blackpool Wren Rovers, giving them the three points 10 minutes from time.

But CMB suffered a 4-1 defeat at home to Euxton Villa, Callum Yearsley with their consolation with 12 minutes remaining.

Stoneclough were the only local side to see action in Division One but they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Askam United.