TWO more Avro players have committed their futures to the club while a former favourite is returning to the club, writes Rob Currell.
Kane Wallwork - who won the NPL West goal of the season award - and Ethan Kershaw have signed deals for the 2024/25 campaign while Kane Hickman, who came up through the ranks at the Oldham club, has announced he is to return.
Wallwork’s stunning long-range effort against Clitheroe last September - which garnered three millions views on Twitter - won the prize at the league’s recent end of season awards.
And fans will be hoping to see more the same in the 2024/25 campaign.
First-team captain Jake Cotterill had initially scored from a corner soon before Wallwork’s strike but the referee ruled play on.
But instant karma then occurred as Wallwork took matters into his own hands from way out near the half-way line.
“So basically the goal had already gone in from the corner so I just kind of hit it out of anger and that happened,” said Wallwork when he accepted his award much to the amusement of the audience.
A spokesman for the club said: “Everyone at the club is elated by Kane’s award from the league for achieving goal of the season.
“We are also delighted that Kane has confirmed that he will be back for the 2024/2025 season.”
Midfielder Kershaw said he is looking forward to working with new managerial duo David Birch and Mike Norton.
Kershaw joined Avro at the start of last season said it was an easy decision to return.
“It’s looking like an exciting season ahead with the new managers coming in,” said Kershaw who previously played for Burnley in their youth section, Barnoldswick, Mossley and Stalybridge.
“I want to stay at the club because we have an unreal set of lads who want to strive for success.”
Home-grown Hickman - who came through the ranks at Avro before establishing himself at clubs such as Droylsden and Mossley - has also announced he is coming back for the 2024/2025 campaign.
“Kane is a no-nonsense midfielder who covers every blade of grass on the pitch,” said the club’s first team match secretary Mark Hutton.
“We are delighted that we have managed to persuade him to come back home to Avro.
“His experience and commitment will be a huge addition to the first team squad and everyone is happy to have him back.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here