Firstly Simon Haworth has brought in Ben Kay as his new assistant. Kay last season lead Ashton Atheltic to an impressive Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy win at the Macron Stadium against our own semi-final victors Radcliffe Borough, also beating Chorley in their own semi.

Haworth said "Ben is a great addition to the team. He's hungry for success, hard working, and has a great knowledge of non-league football. He's been a brilliant manager at Ashton Athletic over the past few years, topped off with winning the Lancs Cup".

The players retained from last season are:

• Chris Thompson
• Robbie Bromley
• Wes Benjamin
• Jacob Davies
• Ian Rowlands
• Ryan Cattermole
• Charlie Russell
• Joe Mitchell
• Brad Carroll
• Kurt Willoughby
• Aidan Kirby
• Adam Bolton

The Blues also welcomed Ryan Ellison Back who has signed with the club on a permanent deal. Simon said "I'm absolutely made up to have captured Ryan. He was superb on his loan spell last season and was a player I was really keen to bring back if the opportunity arose.

There'll be a couple of new faces in the squad too with midfielders Michael Roddy and Callum Mahoney joining the team.

Roddy's previous clubs include Airbus UK, Lincoln City F.C, Guiseley, and but is more well known for his spells at Northwich Victoria.

Mahoney spent last season with Marine FC and has also played for Burscough.

There's also a few players still on trial with the team.

There's been a few departures this summer too, with the standout one being our captain Danny Brady climbing the leagues and joining FC United of Manchester. The towering centre back was a fans favourite last season and everybody at the club wishes him the best of luck!

Other departures include Gareth Roberts who has joined Skelmersdale United, Dimitri Tuanzebe has joined Droylsden, Chris Churchman has left for Hyde United,and Alex Newby is training with Chorley.

There's still plenty of preparation time left until the start of the season, and it begins next Tuesday when we host Chorley at Shawbridge. KO 19:45

You've also got until the 31st July to buy a season ticket at early bird prices. More info can be found here.