A NEW era has dawned at Radcliffe Football Club, and the man at the top believes it will be one of success, on and off the field.

Following a review of all aspects of the club, the word Borough has been removed from its name, in a bid to strengthen its links with the community it represents.

The changes at the Evo-Stik League First Division North side includes a new crest, and chairman Paul Hilton says the new-look club is now better-placed to represent Radcliffe, alongside the town’s other sporting institutions.

“I believe this change was needed, and was long overdue,” he said. “We have been working to redevelop the club and that was a part that we felt was misaligned within the community.

“We will always be known as the Boro, that will always be our nickname. I call us Boro and it’s who we are, it’s part of our personality. I want people to know who we are and who we represent and focusing on the name of the town allows us to define our identity.

“We want the community to identify with us and other sports clubs bearing the Radcliffe name so we can work as a collective and be stronger together.”

On the pitch, Radcliffe are hopeful of better fortunes next season under Joe Gibbons, who steadied the ship and avoided the prospect of relegation last term.

“On the man-management side we feel Joe’s getting it right,” added Hilton.

“He has had the impact we were looking for and there are signings planned to bring in lads with the right pedigree.”

The first signing was confirmed this week with the arrival of ex-Ramsbottom United striker Ryan Salmon.