"IF players don't want to play for my football team at Atherton Colls they can go as far as I'm concerned," says first team boss Chris O'Brien.

"Life at the club has been 'interesting' over the last couple of weeks."

This is an obvious reference to the situation created by previous Colls boss Alan Lord now being in charge half a mile across town at LR.

A move at managerial level between the two rival clubs was always going to raise questions over how many players would also make the switch. To date Mark Fitton, Mark Parry and Liam Boden have left or are in the process of leaving Alder House to link up with former mentor Lord at Crilly Park.

O'Brien, on a personal level, has no problem with that but admits he has to take into consideration other factions at Colls.

"Obviously there's a bit of history between the two clubs but that is what football is all about," he explains. "It's a passion for people behind the scenes at both clubs. I'll be listening to, and respecting their views, on all matters and any decisions made will have been reached jointly. That way we try and keep everyone happy.

"The big plus side for me is the players who have pledged to stay with us. I'm dead pleased with their attitudes at the moment. It's given us a real boost. Paul Griffin, the new skipper has led the way, and Anthony Smith, who Castleton have been chasing, has just been terrific. Tony's brother Chris has had a lot of work commitments this season but he's another I want to hang on to and it looks as though it is going to work out.

"Mark Jones has shown his commitment and Darren Maloney has been exemplary in his attitude. Ian Gibson is another who has shown great spirit and that is what I am after. We just want people who want to play for Colls. My aim is to assemble a set of players committed to this club to take us forward over the coming seasons.

"The initial target is staying in Division One and building from there. We want to be seen as a club that offers opportunities. If a lad comes to us with the raw potential we have the coaching ability to nurture and develop that talent. I'm not going to go around serving seven days notice on players at other clubs. That's not my way. I want lads who have currently not got clubs or who fancy just trying their hand at our level.

"We are striving for a reputation as a club that gives those sort of players their chance. Above all else we want players who want to play for Atherton Colls.

"Two perfect examples are James Everall, a youngster who joined us three weeks ago. He has been absolutely magnificent and there is a player for the future. Another is Steve Morris who looks a tremendous prospect." Tomorrow's test for O'Brien and Colls could hardly be tougher with the side currently heading the Division One table by four points with four games in hand, Prescot Cables, the visitors to Alder House.

Daisy Hill and Atherton LR try once again to get their NWCL Worthington Challenge Trophy Preliminary Round ties played with Daisy at home to fourth in Division Two Padiham (ko 1.30pm) and LR away at bottom club Oldham Town.