I caught up with Bolton County First Team manager, Adam Howarth, to get his views on pre-season and the upcoming start to the campaign on Saturday at home against Springhead.

Q. On Saturday you beat Beechfield 4-0 in the final pre-season friendly how would you rate the team’s performance?

The teams doing well, working hard, and getting better. There still plenty of improvement but we are in good shape.

Q. How would you rate how pre-season has gone after finishing it unbeaten (to my knowledge)?

Results don’t bother me in pre-season it’s about getting fit and sharp and being ready for our first league game. It’s great to be back playing after last season was cut short due to the pandemic.

Q. What are your hopes for this season ahead?

To keep progressing, to be competitive in each game and to play to the best of our abilities.

Q. On Saturday we kick off the season against Springhead at home. How are you feeling about going into it?

I have great respect for all the teams in the Manchester league. Each game is competitive, and we have to play well to get something from each game. Springhead is a really tough start for us but I’m looking forward to it and so are the players. No game is easy in this league.

Q. Is there any team you are looking forward to playing this season?

All the teams. This league is so competitive every game is a test and we have to play well to get anything from each game.