BORO FOCUSED ON PRE-SEASON

Bacup Borough kicked off their pre-season preparations with a convincing win against a Rossendale FC 2nd XI. The game took place as part of the charity event to raise valuable funds for Mind UK and in memory of Dawn Walker.

It was the perfect opportunity for Brent Peters to take a closer look at the new players entering the fold for the 2025/26 season. And on first impressions all of the new recruits performed admirably for their first outing in a Borough shirt.

Several key players were missing from the game on Saturday due to holiday commitments but will have ample time to get amongst the squad with Borough facing New Mills, Route One Rovers and Chadderton within the next week or so.

There could be further friendlies planned for the coming weeks after it was announced that Borough won't be in action competitively until the 23rd August when they take on Glossop North End in the FA Vase.

Brent Peters had asked the North West Counties League management committee for special dispensation due to the redevelopment taking place at the Brian Boys Stadium, and thankfully that dispensation was granted with Borough playing no league fixtures both home and away until the beginning of September.

Plenty of time for the Borough manager and his management team to get the players fighting fit and ready to go in what will be yet another challenging season in division one north.

Nigel Langley will continue to play a big part as First Team Coach

Talking to the manager about the leagues granting of the special dispensation, he said;

"I'm delighted that the chairman and the committee agreed to our request. It's been a massive last two years for the club in regards to the redevelopment of the clubhouse. We've had issues with the rebuild and not to mention those additional costs which will take it close to £200,000 by the time it's completed.

"Many would say that we could've played away games, and they're probably right. But as soon as a ball is kicked we've got player expenses to pay and unfortunately the clubhouse is our only means of generating revenue. So for the committee to grant us this short time is massively important to the football club, and for that I am extremely grateful."