And joint-boss Neil Reynolds is eager to see the cream of Ribble Valley talent playing for the club.

So much so, as the Blues return to training tonight, he will be happy to run the rule over anyone who feels they can play to the standard of Lancashire League football, with a view to stepping up to the first team in the UniBond League.

With the reserve team reformed, looking to crank up a conveyor belt of home-grown talent, Reynolds has opened the doors at Shawbridge, and said: "The reserve team will be open to people in town who feel they could be good enough.

"We want the best from the Ribble Valley, using people from our own doorstep.

"People have not had the opportunity, for one reason and another, but if they are good enough, the opportunity will be there."

Reynolds won the North West Counties League First Division title with Clitheroe four years ago, with a side primarily made up of players from the area, and he aims to recreate the spirit of 2004: "When we took over 18 months ago, there was a Merseyside-based contingent, but when I won the league as a player with Clitheroe in 2004, the team was predominantly from East Lancashire, and we're getting back to that.

"We've got the team spirit back, and it breeds a good ethos, no-one has to dash off after games.

"But we have a hungry bunch of players now, and they're on the muzzle waiting to be unleashed."

There will be no separate first team and reserve team mentality, as Reynolds wants his players to be together, all capable of doing a job when needed, with competition for places: "We will have six training sessions before the first friendly at home to Northwich on July 9th, and everyone comes back on a level playing field.

"It's up to them to impress us and put themselves in contention.
"We're aiming to get off to a flier, and pre-season is geared to that.

"But there will be no such thing as a first team player, or a reserve team player – they are all Clitheroe players."

Lee Boyer and Martin Aspinwall have returned to the club to run the second string, and Reynolds explained the blueprint: "Their focus is on the 16-20/21 age group, with a bit of experience as well, maybe from the first team.

"The reserves will not be there to make up the numbers, we want to groom players.

"The last ones to come through were Jon-Paul Fagan, Jason Jones and Gary Jackson around five years ago, and we have to develop local talent.

"I supported the decision not to go with a reserve team last year, due to finances, but now Carl Garner and the committee have got the club back on it's feet, it is time to go again.

"I'm delighted the reserve team is up and running again, it helps keep players happy in that if they are not in the first team, I can offer them some football.

"And along with the first team squad, we will have at least two players for every position, bar goalkeeper, but I think James Mann is the best keeper in the league.

"We have cover now. We have four or five strikers, four or five central midfielders and wingers, defenders in abundance, and if a situation develops with injury or suspension with James, we will deal with that."
Anyone interested in taking part in pre-season training are asked to report at 6-30 p.m. at Shawbridge tonight, for a 7 p.m. start.

Reynolds and Aspinwall will be on hand at St Michael and St John's RC Primary School's fun day on Saturday.
The pair will be at the Lowergate school between 1-5 p.m. on a special stall, with a penalty shootout and special prizes, giving away footballs, shirts and the chance to win a junior season ticket.

Clitheroe hold their AGM tonight at the New Inn from 7-30 p.m., with all welcome to attend.
Season tickets are available on Sunday at the ground between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at discount rate.