WHITCHURCH ALPORT skipper Si Everall collected a top award when the North West Counties League annual meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool.

Everall picked up more man-of-the-match nominations (17) than any other player in the two divisions and was delighted to receive the league’s Footballer of the Year award.

“I'd like to thank the managers Carl and Luke for giving me the opportunity of playing all year, the club for accepting me, and all the fans for supporting me and the team all year,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank my team-mates who, I’m sure, together we will achieve some success and silverware this coming season. 

“It’s the biggest honour I’ve won in all my time in football and it’s a nice feeling being recognised by fellow clubs in the league. I’m over the moon to be voted North West Counties Footballer of the Year.”

During the meeting, it was confirmed last season’s basement boys Ashton Town were no longer members of the league as they were demoted to the Cheshire League, but there was a reprieve for Eccleshall.

Abbey Hulton United come into Division One along with Nelson, New Mills and Cammell Lairds, who were all relegated from the Premier Division last term.

Alport were handed a terrific draw in the Macron Cup with Northwich Victoria providing the opposition at Yockings Park in the first round. 

If the Reds get past the Premier Division outfit, they will face top- flight opposition again with Hanley Town waiting to host the winners.

n In the League Cup, Whitchurch received a first-round bye but will play the winners of the New Mills- Alsager Town tie at Yockings Park in round two.

- Meanwhile, the club's pre-season programme has been announced:

June 30 Airbus (A) 7.45pm

July 8 Altrincham (H) 3pm

July 12 Cefn Druids (A) 7.45pm

July 18 City of Liverpool (H) 7.45pm

July 21 St Martins (The Venue, Oswestry) 7.45pm Derek Stokes Trophy

July 22 Hanley Town (A) 3pm

Aug 9 Crewe Alexandra (H) 7.45pm