Burnley United set their sights on North West Counties League football

Under the stewardship of Chris Price, the club – based at Barden Sports Ground –have unveiled a new management team with the hope of rebuilding and aiming towards achieving North West Counties status. Former Nelson boss Paul Fildes has been appointed as the new manager, with his assistant Stuart Craig. After winning the East Lancashire Football League Second Division last year – with Fildes’goals an integral part – and consolidating their position in the First Division last season, it is hoped this appointment will take the project forward, and, in time, to a position where they may be able to rub shoulders with the likes of both Padiham and Nelson. Plans also include the possibility of linking to a local junior club to create the natural pathway from junior to adult football via a youth team. With a heavy involvement in the last two seasons after taking over the management of the club, the duo of Price and Chris Inckle are looking to take a step back to look after the off-field management side. Both Price and Inckle recognise the importance of having the help and assistance of others off the field, to help the management team to concentrate purely on the football side of things. Another important part of the project will see the re-introduction of a second Burnley United team, who will play in the East Lancashire Football League Second Division. As part of this rebuilding process, the club have strengthened links with Burnley Athletics Club, who they share facilities with, and have plans to create a shared club lounge for pre and post event hospitality. As a sign of togetherness, the football club will change their club colours from red and black to claret and blue. The pre-season schedule is almost finalised, with training commencing on Saturday, June 30th at Barden Sports Ground at 1 p.m. The first friendly sees a fixture at home to Bacup Borough on July 21st, and there is also a game arranged at Nelson. The club look forward to working with Burnley Leisure, who have recently taken over the ownership of the facilities from Burnley Council, and hope to continue to develop the club alongside current sponsors DRN Law, DRN Sport, RGS Sheet Metal and All Bright Cleaning. The club are also on the look out for further sponsors to assist in any way possible. As a growing club interest from new players, volunteers to work alongside club stalwart David Clegg, and additions to the management of the second team are always welcome. If anyone is interested, email chris.inckle@virginmedia.com or via the club’s twitter page @BurnleyUnited