RAMSBOTTTOM United have signed vastly experienced defender Andy Teague who has joined as player/assistant manager, writes Tony Cunningham.

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to bring Andy to the club as my assistant,” said manager Steve Wilkes.

“His experience is second to none and knowing all the clubs that wanted him makes it even more special he’s chosen Ramsbottom. I can’t wait to start to work with Teagey!”

The 38-year-old arrives with a stellar CV having begun his career with Macclesfield Town back in 2005, making 44 appearances for the Silkmen before moving to Leigh Genesis in 2008.

A couple of years at Lancaster City followed where he was made club captain before a nine-year stint at Chorley, racking up 390 appearances for the club.

A move back to Lancaster followed in 2020 and then on to Clitheroe earlier this year.

Teague is looking forward to the challenge and admitted he turned down offers from higher league clubs to take up the post at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

“This was a decision that took a lot of thought as there were offers in from higher up the pyramid,” he said.

“But the challenge of a player/assistant manager role, coupled with hearing about the ambitions from the manager for the club both on and off the pitch, this was the type of project I relish and am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity.”

Wilkes said he will be making more announcements regarding the players he is bringing in as he looks to put a a more experienced and physical squad in place for the new campaign.

In a message to the supporters, he said: “This season’s pre-season seems like chalk and cheese to the pre-season we had last year.

“We’ve had more time to prepare, more time to talk to players and more time to train.

“We’re not starting with just two players from the previous season, and I’m looking forward to getting going in the friendlies as the squad we’re building a much better than last seasons.

“The experience we’re bringing in will be huge for the younger ones we’ve kept, and can only be a good thing.

“I’m looking forward to announcing the new players in due course but the stand-out signing is Andy Teague at centre-half. He’s coming in to work alongside me as my assistant manager and again his experience will be vital.

“Hopefully we can put last seasons debacle behind us and show the Ramsbottom fans what a true Steve Wilkes side looks like!”

Pre-season matches begin on Saturday, July 6, while the NWCFL kicks off on Saturday, July 27. In the league’s Macron Cup, the Rams have been drawn away in the First Round to West Didsbury and Chorlton.

Fixtures are expected to be released in early July.

n The club held a successful “Clean-up Day” last month and have arranged a follow-up on Saturday at the ground between 10am-2pm.

Having enjoyed a good turn-out last time, the club is hoping for a similar number of volunteers to arrive on Saturday, armed with whatever they can carry, to assist in the painting, weeding and all manner of things, in order to make the stadium look stunning ahead of the pre-season friendlies.

Bacon butties and drinks will be the order of the day, and all volunteers will be welcomed with open arms.