Enter The Regionals..
So we had made the first big step in my aim to get us into upper reaches of the football pyramid. At the top level of English football the glory belonged to the Manchester. With Man United winning yet another premier league and City gaining an FA and League cup double. But for us the focus was now The Evo Stick League Div 1...
Pre-season plans
We already had a good squad but I was looking more for recruiting young players for the future. Plans were also well underway to improve the training facilities so the team could improve more on the training side of things. We's also taken the big step in changing the operating status to professional. This would mean new players would be training full time. Slowly new contacts would be given to all the squad to have them all training full time. This could give us another advantage in attracting players to the club.
New Additions
On top of bringing in a flock of local youngster for the U18s, we scouted and brought in a group of young talent from further afield for the reserves and even to push for first team maybe. I took advantage of signing a really promising group all on Pre-contract agreements at the end of last season. They could now join up with us..
Ryan MacKenzie,16, RC/LB- from Thunby Nirvana- Free
Young fullback with a great workrate and stamina.
Antony Palmer,16, ST- from Radcliffe Olympic- Free
Young striker for the reserves has amazing determination and bravery. Had 7 apps and 1 goal for Olympic.
Frankie Yates,16, CB- from Radcliffe Olympic- Free
Team mate of Palmer. Good potential for this player. Had 6 apps himself last season for Olympic.
Jordie Joyce, 16, ALM- from St Andrews- Free
Probably the most promising prospect out of all the youngsters. I can see this guy being a good back up for Faro and Vaz.
Gwion Hillman, 16, ARM-From Rochdale Town- Free
From a little closer for home. The young welshman was picked up by Rochdale Town picking up 5 apps and an assist to his name.
Now signs up with us.
Marvin Collins, 16, LB- Free Agent
Young player without a club from Soutport. Has some decentish and we needed a LB for our reserve team.
Clive Clapham, 16, St- From Sileby Rangers- Free
Talented striker who played a late part in Sileby's promotion push. He scored three goals and made four assists in seven games. Even scoring in the playoff semi final, with them sadly losing the second leg.
Major Signings
Now the additions who are more likely to make a big impact on the first team and club.
Paul Musselwhite, 43, GK/ GK Coach- From York City- Free
Vastly experienced goalkeeper who will bring a wealth of knowledge. He was envolved in an amazing four playoffs attempts with Scunthorpe in the old Div 4. At Port Vale he again played in a Div 2 playoff.They did howeer win the Football league Trophy that year. Before being promoted as runners up in 93/94. At Hull he again played in part in a play off semi final in Div 3. In 03/03 he won promotion to the newly named League One with Hull. Returning to Scunthorpe he won promotion from League 2 as runners up in 05/06. He even has non league success gain promotion with Gateshead in the Conference North Play Off Final in the 08/09 season. A keeper who has seen almost everything.
Bryan Hughes, 36, CM, From Tranmere- Free
The veteran midfielder joins after only make to appearences fro Tranmere in League 1. Will bring skill and experience to the centre of midfield. Also knows success making the FA cup quarter final with first club Wrexham. He then gaining promotion to the Premier League with Birmingham City via the playoffs in 2002. He also played in the 2001 League Cup final for them. Also making over 70 premier league apps for next club Charlton. He then played his part in another promotion to the Premier League this time with Hull City via the playoff in 2008.
Leam Richardson, 32, LB/RB, From Accrington- Free
Long serving Accrington player who finally leaves after seven seasons at the club. Will provide a quality older head in the full back position. Has played all over lancashire and the north west. Starting out at Blackburn, Bolton, Blackpool and finally Accrington. He has had his share of good moments too. Playing a part in Bolton's play off promotion in 2001. Was with Blackpool when they won the Football league Trophy in 2004. He was part of the Accrington Stanley side that gained promotion to the football league as Conference premier champions in 2006.
Peggy Lokando, 22, ARM/CM- From Waltham Forest- Free
Former Arsenal trainee brought in as competition for Marella in the right winger role mainly. Has also spent time at Southend, Dag And Red and Crawley as he fell down further in non league football. He made 32 apps for Waltham as they finished just three point above the drop zone. Hopefully still wants top rove something here at Colne.
Paddy Mullen, 19, ARM, Free Agent
Another right wing option as I look to get rid of cetain squad members this summer. Was a reserve at Doncaster Rovers before his release.
Bradley Dack, 17, CM, Free Agent.
Youngster released by Gillingham. Another for the future maybe. Doesn't look mind blowing just yet but I'm hoping he can grow into a really good player in time.