RAMSBOTTOM United boss Ken Bridge has been named as North West Counties League Second Division Manager of the Year.

The award was presented at the league's annual dinner and presentation evening at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport last Saturday evening.

The accolade is just reward for Bridge who has worked wonders at the Riverside Ground, taking the Rams to the NWCL Second Division championship in only their second season in the league.

Also honoured at the weekend was Rams' club founder and chairman Harry Williams who was presented with a 30 years medal for services to football by the Lancashire Football Association.

Everyone at the club is avidly awaiting the first season in the North West Counties League First Division.

The players commence training at the Riverside Ground next Tuesday evening (July 1) and each Tuesday and Thursday thereafter and any local players who wish to try their hand at soccer at this level are invited to attend sessions.

The club have already organised a number of tasty pre-season games prior to their opening match of the season at Clitheroe on August 16.

On Wednesday, July 30 a Bury FC XI visit the Riverside kick-off 7.30pm, a trip to Padgate College follows the following Saturday and two days later (Monday, August 4) they take on Accrington Stanley at home (7.30pm).

On Wednesday, August 6 there's trip to Prestwich Heys (7pm) followed by an excursion to Squires Gate (Saturday, August 9, 3pm).

Their final warm-up clash is a home match against UniBond Premier Division Radcliffe Boro on August 13 (7.30pm).

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