CLITHEROE boss Steve Parry is planning a major shake-up in the summer in a bid to transform the fortunes of the Shawbridge club.

Parry is feeling the pressure after an alarming slump in form has seen the Blues slide down the North Western Trains League First Division in recent weeks.

But the former Haslingden chief is not the type to shirk a challenge and has vowed to get things right next season even if it means a major revamp of his squad.

"I'm very disappointed in the way we've finished the season and I've got to accept part of the responsibility for that," said the Blues boss.

"We've come as far as we can with the squad we've got at present.

"I've probably not brought new faces in when I should have done.

"But a couple of months ago we were going well and we were still in three cups.

"I think it was right to show loyalty to those players at the time because they were winning games and doing well.

"Since then we've not shown enough consistency when it matters but by that stage it was too late to bring anyone in because the transfer deadline had gone.

"We've got some good players at the club, don't get me wrong, and some of them would walk into any team in this league. "But we need to build on those strengths if we want to take the club forward so there definitely needs to be a major shake-up."

Parry was only appointed seven months ago and at one point this season the Blues were chasing glory on three fronts.

Two weeks ago he lead the club to their first silverware in 13 years when they beat Kidsgrove 2-1 to win the Floodlit Trophy.

But the ambitious North Western Trains League outfit are desperate for UniBond League football and the pressure has started to mount after a string of poor league results.

"There's definitely pressure but a lot of it is pressure within myself," said Parry.

"I'd be silly if I said anything else because the club expects better than this.

"The chairman hasn't said anything to me but I've heard one or two things being said by spectators and they're not happy with some of the performances we've been putting in.

"I understand that because I share that disappointment with them.

"I've been feeling a bit down myself because I take defeat very personally.

"But I know what needs to be done and now it's a case of doing it.

"We need to bring in some more new faces - I knew that from the word go - and it's really hit home since we were knocked out of the FA Vase. "But it's also about personal pride for the players and for me individually.

"We must have success so everybody has got to work harder to make it happen."

Even if the Blues beat Maine Road at Shawbridge tomorrow the highest they can finish is 12th in the table.

But Parry is demanding nothing less than a win to show supporters his side mean business next season.

"It's crucial we pick ourselves up and finish with a win because everybody remembers your last few games in a season."

Darwen can cement a top-10 spot in the North Western Trains League Second Division with a victory over fifth-placed Abbey Hey at The Anchor tomorrow.

And Bacup Borough, who have lost just once in 10 games, conclude their league programme with a home match against basement outfit Oldham Town.

Clitheroe supporters club 'Blues in the Corner' have organised a football fun-day on May 16th.

A Blues Select XI, featuring some of Steve Parry's first team squad, will take on French Connection in a special friendly at Shawbridge.

Programmes are £1, which includes entry into a free £50 draw, and the event kicks off at 1pm.

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