RISHTON will have their first English pro for 42 years when next season’s Lancashire League kicks off after they swooped to sign former Accrington paid man Will Driver from Read.

Jimmy Bibby’s men have been without a permanent pro since South African Cameron Delport returned home with a finger injury – and Driver was their number one target.

They made advances to sign him when Delport was recalled to South Africa – but the all-rounder stayed loyal to Read, where he has been playing this season while recovering from a shoulder operation.

But they are looking forward to seeing Driver in a Rishton shirt next season.

“It’s excellent news and we are really pleased to have Will on board,” said Bibby.

“We actually tried to sign him when Cameron went home but he didn’t want to leave Read mid-season – but he is an excellent signing for us and we can look forward to next season already.”

Rishton have struggled this season with their young team and Bibby added: “I think the lads will benefit from having a regular pro rather than different subs and I am looking forward to playing with him.”

Rishton’s last English pro was former Lancashire, and England Test man Ken Higgs in the 1970 and 1971 seasons, while they had Johnny Wardle as pro for six years in the 1960s.

But while Rishton have moved, Haslingden have announced that they will not be retaining the services of Phill Hayes for a fourth season.

The ex-Ramsbottom star has been a hit but chairman Mark Rothwell said: “Having lost a couple of senior players, we feel that next season our young bowling attack will benefit from the support of a pro who is able to contribute with the ball.”