Atherton buoyed as Caldy strengthen on all fronts

Sep 3 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CALDY head into their second year in the national leagues in high spirits after a busy off season.

On the field, Wirral’s highest-ranked club have boosted their squad with some excellent signings, while off the field, several new sponsors have also been warmly welcomed at Paton Field to strengthen the club commercially.

Director of rugby Tony Atherton said: “It has seemed like we have been working harder since last season ended than we do when we are playing matches at times, but I am confident that work will stand us in good stead.

“We have taken the club forward in every area we can.”

Atherton and head coach Matt Holt strengthened the squad by signing Jon Sewell (back-row), Ian Crichley (prop), Andrew Soutar (wing),ŠMark Turner (full-back) and David Westhead (second-row) during the summer.

They were joined by Sam and Ben MacPherson, who returned from travelling, and the late addition of scrum-half Sam Cottrell. That squad expansion has been helped by the club’s existing sponsors and new backers, which include Willson Grange –ŠChartered Financial Planners, Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Green Thumb Lawn Treatments, Wirral Sports and Lees, Lloyd, Whitley – Solicitors.

Atherton said: “We experienced a harsh learning curve last season when we found out that having a strong squad is absolutely critical in National League Three (North) rugby. Our signings have added quality and depth to every area of our squad and that is already paying off.”

That was shown when the first team pushed Waterloo all the way in a 28-19 pre-season defeat at the weekend, despite regulars Crichley, Richard Bradshaw, Sam Dickinson, Paul White, Gavin Roberts and Ian Murray being injured or absent.

At the same time, Caldy’s second team were defeating Mold first team 33-15.

Atherton said: “We won our other two pre-season games handily, which is a very positive sign and bodes well for the future. When you look at the club you can see that all our teams are in a strong position – be it the senior sides, our academy, girls’ teams or juniors and mini sections.

“We are also extremely grateful to our commercial supporters and everyone at the club is delighted to welcome more companies into the Caldy family. It adds up to a fantastic season in the offing.

“We would always welcome new players and spectators at any level though, and if anyone wants to come down to Paton Field and have a go, they are more than welcome to get in touch.”

To find out more about playing for or supporting Caldy, contact the club on 0151 625 8043.