RAMSBOTTOM UNITED

The talented young custodian has played for a number of teams such as City of Liverpool, FC united and Winsford United where he won young player of the year during the 2021/22 season.

Ryan is an extremely good shot stopper who impressed manager Steve Wilkes during his short spell at Northwich Victoria.

to first team last year.

However, Jenkins was loaned out to New Mills last season where he scored an impressive 11 goals as well as notching up four assists.

The tireless midfielder can also fill in at full back when called upon.

Maine Walder

Left back Maine came through the academy of Fylde and earned himself a scholarship after a couple of years as a scholar and was then awarded a professional contract at the club where he spent a year as a pro.

After his time with Fylde, Walder then played at AFC Blackpool last season before joining the Rams.

During his youth Liam spent time at the academies of Manchester United and Oldham Athletic. He then took a short break from his football career to play basketball. Greenwood returned back to football though as he joined Ashton’s u21’s side where he progressed into the first team.

Greenwood is a forward who is able to play on either wing, as a center forward or as an attacking midfielder

An experienced and successful manager with over 1,000 matches under his belt, Steve joined the Rams in the summer of 2023 after six years at Northwich Victoria. He was previously in charge at Darwen, AshtonAthleticandRuncornLinnets

Austin originally from Leicester, has recently moved to area and therefore hasn’t played for any local clubs. However, he does have an abundance of experience having come up through the academy ranks at Lincoln City.

The experienced Irish defender played briefly under Wilkes at Northwich Victoria last season, along with a brief spell at Airbus UK in the Welsh Premier League. Previously on the books of the likes of Linfield, Coleraine and Glentoran

Well known to manager Wilkes, Matt arrived in July 2023 from Northwich Victoria where he was leading scorer last season.

Previously with AFC Fylde, Bamber Bridge and Kendal Town

Midfield player, Conal, spent the second half of last season playing for Skelmersdale following the end of his scholarship in the United States of America. As a youngster Conal spent time with academies of Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.

Another player who previously played for Wilkes at Northwich Victoria, forward Kuda contributed to a number of goals last season.

Previously on the books of Barnoldswick Town

Ramsbottom lad who has come through the ranks of Ramsbottom United Juniors and looks to have an exciting future ahead of him. The defender is also a promising cricketer, also having played for Ramsbottom cricket club.

Despite still only being young, Harvey has a real pedigree having spent time in the academies of Burnley and Accrington Stanley.

He is comfortable at full-back, winger or in central defence.

Defender Luke, despite only being 21, has a real wealth of experience having played most of last season with AFC Blackpool. Roscoe is also captain of the first team at Huddersfield university and has also represented England at university level.

Sam has played for a host of clubs including Bolton, Bury, Rochdale and most recently Turton. Rigby is a player who operates as an attacking midfielder and he loves to chip in with goals.

Left-footed defender Alex has made his way through the youth ranks at Ramsbottom United and has signed with the first team squad for the season ahead.

Martyn is another player with a really good pedigree having spent time in the academies of both Manchester United and Burnley. Martyn also has a wealth of experience at non -league level having played for Prescot Cables, Bootle and Northwich Victoria.

A graduate of the Bamber Bridge Academy, Oscar is another locally-based youngster, who signed for the Rams ahead of the 22/23 season having previously been with NWCFL side AFC Blackpool

Chappy has played for a wealth of clubs including Padhiam, Darwen, Kendal and Prescott Cables.

Masamba can play a number of positions including center forward, right wing and left wing but he is extremely versatile.

Local winger who was spotted playing for Manchester League side Tottington United, and having impressed in training, signed for the Rams in February 2023.

Before joining the Rams, Alfie has played for Clitheroe FC and most recently Darwen FC.

Alfie is able to play anywhere across the front three and he offers the Rams a real goal threat.

Tom is a real rock in midfield with his non-stop running and enthusiasm and has spent time at Padiham as well as Northwich Victoria, again under the guidance of Steve Wilkes, who was keen to add him to the squad.

Now, the more traditional ground hopper will say that a match at Ramsbottom has to be attended by catching the East Lancashire Steam Railway. I agree, but as this match was an evening kick off this obscure and romantic option wasn’t available. Instead, Aaron’s car – which due to it’s age also runs on steam – had to get us to the Lancashire village.

We were travelling down the M60 when I suggested that we should carry on down the motorway to watch Rochdale Town v Atherton Collieries. The mighty Colls had been involved with a number of high scoring games and I was sure that it would be another interesting game down in Castleton. Aaron on the other hand insisted that neither side had anything to play for and that it would be a boring end of season kick about. Furthermore, he began to wax lyrical about how the match between Ramsbottom and Farsley would have huge implications at the top of the table, meaning that both sides would serve up a thriller. His words, not mine.

This was my second visit to Ramsbottom having attended their convincing 3-0 victory over league newcomers Darlington back in September. I was quite impressed by the place and wanted to take some more photographs when it was a bit lighter.