BAMBER BRIDGE FC

Before the 24/25 Pitching-In Northern Premier League season kicks off this Saturday with a trip to Whitby Town, we asked Adam Lickley for his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Here's what he had to say:

"This season, I think Brig will be on the up. 

Many things at the club appear to be going in a positive direction, from kit sales to the commercial aspect of things, including the squad the management team have assembled. 

We have so far made 11 new signings for the upcoming season, retaining the majority of permanent players from last season. 

The two biggest departures are definitely Callum Leigh and club captain Macauley Wilson. Known for his long range efforts, Leigh has joined Buxton, with Macca, who was fantastic on and off the pitch, being a wonderful clubman, going to Bury in the North West Counties. 

Retained players for Brig include big veteran centre half Simon Grand, wingback Adam Dodd, Michael Potts in midfield, versatile Jeff Adubofour, long-serving clubmen Chris Churchman and Danny Forbes, midfielder Jack Baxter, forward Mark Cullen, wingers Danny Edwards and Harry Benns and forward/ attacking midfielder Billy Bould. 

I believe our signings have been fantastic, getting in some fantastic experienced players such as ex Burnley and Barrow Midfielder Alex Ray Harvey and former EFL midfielder Alex Kenyon, who made 246 appearances in the football league for Morecambe. He was last at Curzon Ashton. 

The forward line has also been strengthened. Olly Molloy looks to be a promising signing from Runcorn Linnets as the striker signs a one year deal with the option of a further year. Joining Olly are Bailey Thompson who has signed from Pontefract Colls after scoring 12 league goals for them, with pacy forward Max Cane, formerly of FC United signing from Darwen. 

Max Cane in action against Preston North End.

Midfielder Lewis Hey has joined from Bradford Park Avenue, who appears to have a wand of a left foot.

It's a very welcome return to former Brig loanee Will Squires. The big centre half joins permanently after being released by Blackpool in the summe.

Keeper Nicholas Michalski has come to Brig on loan until January from Blackburn Rovers. A highly rated young player with England Youth experience, it will be interesting to watch his development.

My personal favourite signings are Finn Wallbank from Workington and Liam Brockbank from Altrincham. Left back Liam and right back Finn remind me very much of a regeneration of Tommo and Skinner from the 22/23 season. These two have pace in abundance and love to get up and down the pitch.

Finn Walbank in pre-season action against Wythenshawe.

I believe we will have a very good season this year, finishing in 7th place. Play offs are certainly achievable however the league is very competitive at the top end particularly, competing against the massive budgets of some other clubs in the division.

Like most supporters at this point in the season I think that things seem to be looking promising and hopefully we should see an improvement in our league finish from last season.

Up the Brig!"