“Really happy with the season up to this point, to be in 5th position in the league and in good form gives us confidence to try and maintain our position in the top ten and try and give ourselves something to play for going into the later stages of the season.

“The lads have been brilliant up to this point but it is still very early days. If we can build on our recent run of results and learn from our previous games we can continue our good start to the season, we have the quality in the squad its about how they apply themselves game by game.”

The magnificent start to the season comes after Garner and assistant manager Ryan Parr oversaw a squad revamp at Shawbridge.

The likes of season top goal-scorer Scott Bakkor and influential attacker Scott Harries were welcome to The Blues’ line up:

“We added to the squad in the summer with more experience than we have had in the past. The players that have come in have all added something to the group and the team spirit is as good as it's been since we have been at the club. We still have a young side and I believe they can only get better and better:

“Scott Bakkor and Harres have provided us with real attacking quality and have both provided goals and assists while Danny Brady has just continued to improve and build in stature and his recent performances have been top drawer.”

Though it hasn’t all been simple on the selection front for the manager, commanding centre back Gregg Anderson’s sudden retirement and 17-year-old Blackburn loanee Callum Hendry’s serious injury are obvious drawbacks to the squad:

“The loss of Gregg Anderson 4 or 5 week ago was a big blow, he was a leader on the pitch and a big voice in the changing room. Though the lads have definitely stepped up in last few weeks in his absence and his influence can still be seen in and around the squad.”

“Losing Callum Hendry is going to be a blow, he’s been superb since he arrived on Loan from Blackburn Rovers. I am gutted for Cal and so are all the lads. He has not only been impressive on the pitch but also has shown a great attitude off it and is well respected by all the players and staff. I wish him all the best in his recovery and believe he will come back stronger.”

Take a look at The Blues' season stats here: Clitheroe in numbers

“It's been well documented we have been chasing Ben for over 12 months and since he has joined the club he has proven his quality. It is no coincidence that we have only conceded one goal in the three games he has played and taken maximum points.

“Ben provides the defence with confidence and the whole squad have stepped up a level since his arrival, everyone has been impressed by his quality and I believe he can only get better like the rest of the squad. We go in to every game believing we can win and if we can add more consistency to our performances then we can hopefully establish ourselves in the top 8 still come December.”

Garner, a former player with numerous non-league outfits including Halifax Town, Chorley FC and FC United is both optimistic and excited for the season ahead:

“I could run through the whole squad as it has been a real team effort to get us where we are. If we all stick together and keep working hard it will be interesting to see how far we can go.”