Egerton ready to make step up to Cheshire League for next season (From Knutsford Guardian)

Egerton ready to make step up to Cheshire League for next season

8:50am Saturday 2nd June 2012 in Sport

FOOTBALL players in Knutsford will have a chance to test themselves at a higher level after Egerton’s application to join the Cheshire League was accepted.

They will play in the competition’s second tier from September.

“Everything has moved at lightning speed,” said Phil Ballance, director of open age football at the Mereheath Lane club.

“But we feel the time is right for us; there are a lot of young, ambitious lads at Egerton who would like to play at a better standard, so the Cheshire League fits the bill.

“The timing is perfect too as Egerton’s U18s have just won the Mid Cheshire Youth League and are looking to make a step up to adult football.

“There is plenty of potential in our U17s and U16s teams too.

“That core of young players, plus the return of a number of familiar faces, should be a blend that is successful.”

Steve Buckley will pick the team assisted by Ryan Barnhill.

Mark Burton, head of football development at Egerton, takes training.

Ballance said: “Steve and Ryan can call upon a wealth of experience as well as having the respect of local players.”

That means there will be four teams – two from Egerton plus as many from neighbours Knutsford – playing football on a Saturday in the town next term.

Knutsford were crowned Cheshire League champions earlier this month.

Ballance said: “They have done fantastically well and shown us the way forward.

“I think the future of adult football in Knutsford can only continue to grow stronger on the back of their success.”