BILL Prendergast has told all the Radcliffe Borough players they are welcome to be part of the club's new era.

The new Boro boss has met with the squad that kept the club in the Evo-Stik First Division North this year.

New chairman Paul Hilton was also at the meetings and was encouraged by the response of the players, epitomised by the fact they have agreed to begin pre-season training early on May 21.

“Since I've been involved there's been a real buzz around the club,” he said.

“The club needed a change and the impression we got from all the players is that they're interested to see what's happening.

“For a few years it was a struggle but we're looking in a different direction now. We're set to announce a new sponsorship deal which will help us build for the future.”

Boro held their end-of-season presentation night last Friday, with centre-midfielder Ric Smith, who filled in at centre-half last term, being named the supporters' player of the year.

Outgoing boss Danny Johnson was present and awarded centre-half Jamie Forbes the manager's player of the year trophy, while keeper Chris Cheetham was the supporters' young player of the year.

“There was a really good atmosphere,” Hilton added. “Everyone is buying into the way the club is moving.

“We want to build on what we've got. We've got the nucleus of a good side and they showed that with results towards the end of the season.

“We want to stick with these players, plus some extra, then take it from there.”

The club is inviting applications for the assistant manager's role. If interested, email enquiries@radcliffeboro.com.