ATHERTON has suddenly become the centre of Ukrainian soccer.

The town's two NWCL Division One clubs are to be run next season by Ukrainians.

Gerry Luczka (right in our picture) takes control at LR while Steve Vychinski moves in across town at Colls.

Rivalry is bound to be intense with both clubs competing in the same division. And the Ukrainian Connection is bound to add extra spice to what is already a potent mix.

Luczka returns to the club where he served successfully for two seasons under previous manager Dave Morris as first team coach. Those two terms saw consecutive NWCL Division One triumphs and that taste of success, with the experience it brought, has the former Turton boss yearning for more.

"I am chuffed to bits to have got the LR job," he said. "I know just how much potential there is at the club."

The coming campaign will arguably be the most crucial LR has ever faced. Life in the Unibond League proved to be just too much at this stage of the club's development, and, for the first time in a proud 41-year history, they were relegated.

History tells a sad tale of clubs being relegated back to the NWCL from the Northern Premier League with nearly all struggling and many going out of existence altogether.

"I know exactly what we have to do," added Luczka, confidently, "I have already appointed what must be one of the best back-up teams in Non League soccer.

"Ian Senior will be coming in alongside me, and his experience, gained with over 40 North West clubs, will help us attract quality players. Making up the 'dream trio' will be Steve Walton, who joins us from Colls, where he got the club up from the Second Division into the First."

Vychinski is rated as the best manager ever to serve at Little Hulton.

He now realises his dream of managing at Non League level and takes over a club set to build on a mid-table finish from their first season in Division One.

"I can't wait to get cracking," he said. "With Gerry taking over at LR there will be two championship races going on this season - the proper one and who can finish highest of the two of us!

"Gerry knows his football and gets his point across in a quiet, persuasive manner, gradually building to what he really wants, while my approach is more direct and pointed. It will be interesting to see which is more successful, especially as my background is in the Manchester and Gerry's with the West Lancs."

The friendly rivalry between the two clubs is set to reach new heights with the banter beginning already.

Colls chairman Steve Payne said: "I hear they're changing the Main Stand at Crilly Park into the home team dug-out just to get Gerry Luczka and all his helpers in!"

Luczka was quick to retort: "The Ukrainian National flag is blue and yellow just the same as LR's colours so that gives us a head start!"

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.