ANTHONY McCluskey has played in so many positions for Padiham that he says he's like a 'a swiss army knife!'

The 25-year-old, usually a defender, has been used by Storks boss Graham Howarth in midfield and even managed to fire home 35 goals last season as the main striker to help Padiham to promotion from the West Lancs League.

Not bad for a player who only signed up for one game at the Arbories because his regular club UniBond side Congleton weren't playing!

Five years down the line and the former Burnley apprentice is still there, with 'a few more pounds and a few less yards', he reckons.

With good memories of his promotion success with the Storks, Hartlepool-born McCluskey also had fond memories of his time at Turf Moor.

He signed apprentice forms at Burnley at 16 and although he got a one-year professional contract, he never made a first team appearance.

"It would have been nice to be on the bench for some of the games but I have some great memories of my time in Burnley's youth team, it was such a successful one under Terry Pashley.

"I remember playing Arsenal in the Youth Cup quarter-final before we lost.

"And we played Blackburn Rovers in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup at Turf Moor.

"There were 6,500 people there, we won 5-1 and I scored a penalty. I remember it was a bit of a strange atmosphere!"

And Manchester United were next up in the final.

"That was again at Turf Moor, in front of 10,000 people. That was something else, it was unbelievable and nerve racking but unfortunately we lost. They were good times and when I was released, I felt like I'd hit a brick wall."

McCluskey went to Macclesfield for a spell under then boss Sammy McIlroy.

"It didn't really work out and then I knew I would have to take the step out of professional football and joined Congleton.

"Because I didn't have a contract, I also knew I needed to get a job -- and then I suddenly realised what hard work was!" admitted McCluskey who now works for FH Browns in Burnley.

And so next came the move to Padiham 'to help out for one game.'

"I've loved it to be honest. It's a great club, with the club house only yards from the pitch!

"It's been great getting promoted, especially now playing in the North West Counties league.

"We've held our own in this league this season and it has been a real challenge. We've also enjoyed most of the local derbies -- except a certain game against Nelson when we were well beaten 6-0! We'll forget that one."

It's another derby tomorrow when Colne, struggling in the lower reaches of Division Two and on a run of nine successive defeats, make the trip to the Arbories.

"We always look forward to the local games. But this is going to be no pushover as they'll raise their game for us.

"I'm just hoping I can get some gloves so I can be our goalkeeper -- then I've played in every position!"