Rams newcomers raring to go
Rams manager Rob Henry and his new signings.
As the new season approaches, manager Rob Henry has introduced a number of new recruits to the Ramsbottom United squad in their quest for third-time lucky in the promotion battle to regain the club’s place in the Northern Premier League, lost three years ago.
The club welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium a combination of young hopefuls, along with experienced heads.
Arriving from Vauxhall Motors, having begun at Norwich City before keeping goal for Liverpool u23s, is 21 year old REECE TRUEMAN (third left). Manager Rob Henry spoke of his delight in attracting the keeper, “Reece comes with a really good pedigree having been at Liverpool, with both his handling and distribution. He has valuable experience, having played at step four last year with Vauxhall Motors, and his calmness, assurance and consistency will be key for the team this year.”
Centre-back JOE BLANCHARD (first right), 22, began with Preston North End before spells with Lancaster City, Skelmersdale United and Burscough. “Joe is an excellent defender, who is aggressive, front-footed and brings a presence to the team. Joe has previously played for me at Lancaster City in the NPL, and having taken some time out of the game, he returns to football with fantastic qualities, and will prove to be a really good player for us.”
23 year old LEWIS COULTON (second right) is another centre-back who can also play on the left side of defence. Playing for Scotland up to u19 level, he had a spell at Preston North End before a loan move to Chester. He has also featured for FC United of Manchester, Bamber Bridge and Lancaster City. “Lewis is a fantastic player, someone I have known for a number of years, and he has a wealth of experience in the non-league game. He is technically good, reads the game well and can play in a number of different positions, which will be very useful for us.”
HARRY WINSTANLEY (fourth left) returns to the club he played for during the 2024-25 season, when he featured 18 times before receiving a nasty injury. “Harry knows the club inside out, having been here before and worked with me previously. Harry brings calmness and quality on the ball, whilst being aggressive with his defending. Harry has returned in really good shape, looking fitter and sharper than I have seen him before, and we feel it can be a big season for him.”
18 year old RHYS MACBRIDE (second left), a left-sided defender makes the move from EFL club Oldham Athletic. “Rhys is technically fantastic, comfortable on the ball and has outstanding delivery. Rhys can operate anywhere down the left side and is someone who has really impressed since he has been with us.”
Midfielder ROWAN CHAMBERS (third right) played 168 games for Squires Gate, where he was the club’s youngest-ever captain. “Rowan is a player who has impressed me over a number of years now. A dynamic box to box midfielder who is extremely competitive but has the technical qualities to handle the ball well in different areas of the pitch. No doubt Ryan will be a fans favourite with his tenacious style.”
Attacking midfielder ISAAC LAM (first left), 18, is another youngster who came through the ranks at Deepdale. “Isaac has just been released by Preston North End. He is an energetic attacking midfield player who possesses good quality and the ability to make forward runs to get in the box.”
Up front, prolific goalscorer GARETH HILL (fourth right) makes the move down from Barnoldswick Town, for whom he scored 32 goals last season, whilst the club struggled in the lower half of the division. In total, he made 253 appearances for “Barlick”, scoring 108 goals. “Gaz will bring us a different dimension to our attack, giving us a focal point with his presence and hold-up play. We know his ability to score goals with 32 last season, and I know there is more to come from him with his work-rate and dedication to improve further.”
• With the club being exempt until the 1st Round Proper of the FA Vase, The Rams face South Liverpool at home in the 1st Qualifying round of the FA Cup on August 8th. Should they progress, they would then be away to either Keighley Town or Longridge Town in the next round on August 22nd.
• Ramsbottom United’s pre-season run of games commenced last Saturday with a trip to West Lancs League side Hesketh Bank. After going in at the break one goal down, a much-changed eleven took the field for the second half which they totally dominated, eventually running out 5-2 winners.
• The pre-season continues this coming Saturday (11th July) with a trip to NWCFL side Garstang, but please note the 2pm kick-off time. The following Tuesday (14th) another away trip sees the Rams take on Hurst Green with a 7.15 kick-off.
