New Daisy Hill chairman Rich Williams believes good times are ahead for the club, as plans are put in place on and off the field for the new season.

A locally-based business owner with Straight Line Communications, Williams took on the role in March, and he explained that when members of the committee approached him about coming on board, he was immediately attracted to the idea.

“Ever since moving to the area six years ago, I have followed the club, and watched plenty of games, so I was excited to get involved when the opportunity arose,” he said.

“With a North West Counties League first team, nine boys and girls youth teams, a Sunday football team, a rugby ream and a dance studio already located at New Sirs, this is already a great community-based facility.

“Our main objectives now are to recruit more volunteers, reinvigorate a hub of the community, and generally increase local participation and involvement in the club.

“We’ve reached out to a number of people already, and we’ve been really encouraged by the offers of help we have had.”

Williams has also been working hard recruiting local firms to help with ground improvements, and at the same time invited them to become sponsors of the club.

“I’ve had several meetings already and I’ve been really encouraged by the response I’ve had from local firms,” he said.

“They are not only keen to provide their services to us as suppliers, they want to help us too, and are fully on board with what we are looking to achieve, both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve recently appointed a new management team with Leighton Mills and Lee Hill taking charge, and they have ambitions to move the club higher up the non-league pyramid, so we need to support them in their objectives.

New Daisy Hill management team Leighton Mills, left, and Lee Hill

New Daisy Hill management team Leighton Mills, left, and Lee Hill

“We already have local businesses such as TMSD, Straight Line Communications, and Taylor Brothers Skip Hire on board, and hopefully more will follow.

“I really feel that we are moving in the right direction, and I’d issue an appeal to anyone out there who believes they have something they can offer us, either as a volunteer or a sponsor, to get in touch with the club through our social media channels.”

Williams believes that one of the main selling points of Daisy Hill FC is that the club has long been a focal point for sport in the area.

“It’s well known that the village of Daisy Hill first saw football played there in 1894, and it’s believed that football will have been played in the area before then,” he explained.

“After Bolton Wanderers, Daisy Hill FC is the most senior football team in the Bolton Metropolitan Borough, and with the village having a long relationship with football, we want to build on that.

“Everyone around the league and the area knows what a great job that current committee members have done for the club over the years, especially long servants like Bob Naylor, Graham Follows, Barry Jones and Tony Riley.

“All three are still actively involved on the committee, and it’s important that we build on what they and others have helped to put in place over the years.

“There is already a lot of respect and good feeling for the club locally, and if we can develop the facilities and get a team on the pitch that people want to come and watch, then home games at Daisy Hill can become a regular event on the calendar for everyone in the area.

“I have a four and a two-year-old myself, and I want to make this club a place that all the family want to come to on a matchday.

“I am passionate about making this club phenomenal, and in doing so, guarantee it is still here for my children and their children to enjoy and cherish for many years to come.”