After a difficult start to the season it appears as though Clitheroe’s fortunes are beginning to improve. The Blues have won each of their last five matches and have climbed from fifteenth up to ninth in the league table, plus reaching the semi-final of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy.

Another positive for the club in recent weeks has been the re-signing of centre back, Danny Brady. The towering defender rejoined the club after a short spell with FC United of Manchester, and has since expressed his happiness about his return to Shawbridge.

“I’m delighted to be back. Clitheroe is a special club and I feel right at home here. It was great to see all the boys and to be back training with some of my old friends last week.”

Brady reintroduced himself to the Clitheroe faithful in ideal fashion, scoring against Ossett Albion during his second debut for the club in an impressive 4-1 win, so it comes as no surprise that manager, Simon Haworth handed him the captaincy following his return to Shawbridge. The ex FC United man was understandably pleased with his debut goal, and was keen to show his appreciation for the club’s decision to make him captain.

“I was very happy to be given the captain’s armband and I would like to thank Simon and all of the lads for that. Ian Rowlands has been a great captain for the club so far this season, so I’m looking to match his high standards and help the lads as much as possible both on and off the pitch.”

“To score on my return to the club was also a bonus, but of course it was most important that we got the three points and continued our winning streak.”

Prior to his return to Shawbridge, Brady was plying his trade in the Vanarama National League North with FC United of Manchester, and the centre half had mixed feelings about his time with his ex club.

“My spell at FC United was a good experience and I definitely feel as though I learned a lot about myself during my time there.”

“I was disappointed not to have been given the chance to play in my favoured position for them, but I feel as though I can bring what I learned from the experience into this Clitheroe team, and hopefully that can help us to push up the league table.”

Brady’s thoughts and ambitions on where Clitheroe should be aiming to finish this season were similar to the thoughts of striker, Kurt Willoughby. The new club captain spoke optimistically and positively about the team’s pursuit of the play-offs, and he believes that the positive feeling in and around the club at the moment could prove vital.

“There are still plenty of points to play for and if the boys show the same hard work as they have done so far this season then we may go one better than last season and clinch one of those play-off places.”

“There’s a good buzz and feeling around the club just like there was last season. Our confidence is high and we need to keep working hard and taking on board the gaffer’s instructions in order to maintain the high standard of our recent performances.”

“There is a lot of quality in our dressing room, so if we continue to work hard like we have been doing then we can definitely push for a play-off place and be able to look back on another positive season.”

Considering Brady’s experience of playing at a significantly higher level, and the fact that he knows the club well, the centre back certainly seems an astute acquisition for the Blues.

Whether or not Clitheroe can achieve their captain’s target of reaching the play-offs remains to be seen, but considering their impressive recent form along with the re-signing of Brady, there is every reason for the club to feel confident.