Euxton Villa: 'Thanks for the memories'

15 May 2022 By Andy Sykes

Both Matt Atherton and Mark McDonnell are delighted by the club’s progression – but both admitted they are saying farewell to the West Lancashire League with a tinge of sadness.

Euxton Villa will compete in the North West Counties North next season after finishing third and satisfying the league’s ground grading requirements.

Atherton said: “We have great memories of the West Lancashire League. I can’t speak highly enough of it.

“I genuinely think it is one of the best feeder leagues in our region. You can tell how strong it is by the amount of clubs that have won the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield over the years from this league.

“There are so many good people at many clubs and we’ve enjoyed some great battles over the years.”

McDonnell added: “I’ve got nothing but admiration for the West Lancashire League.

"Andy Hosker and John Brown in particular have been a great help as part of our application to the North West Counties League.

“We’ve made some great friends and memories along the way and I think everyone loved coming to our ground too. The hospitality is very good and we try our best to look after people.

“The West Lancs provides clubs with a platform to progress and you can see that in the success of other clubs who have made the step up.”

Where next?

McNair: 'We don’t give ourselves enough credit sometimes in this league' Tempest United manager Ross McNair issued a big endorsement of the quality in the West Lancashire League – as he stepped down to spend time with his family. (Pictures by DAVID SMITH)

Planned first date of the 2022/23 league season revealed Clubs will be asked to approve a suggested date in August for the 2022/23 season curtainraiser.