Bold Miners FC, who play in Division 1 of the Warrington & District Football League, have been progressing on the pitch – aided by bringing in some new players who have bought into what the Manager John Wright wants to achieve.

And off the field they announced that the club has secured sponsorship of X-Met Metals, based on Abbotsfield Road, which will be a massive help to the club's continued rebuild.

Wright set out his ambitions for the club and the way they are now making steady progress in a tough, competitive league.

Wright said: "The main reason I came into Bold Miners was because the team was in danger of folding – and for me, we simply cannot keep allowing these historic local football clubs to disappear.

"When I came in, I requested that we be moved into Division 2 to give us the opportunity to rebuild properly, but unfortunately it was too late for that to happen.

"So we knew exactly what the job was: compete in Warrington League Division 1, bring players into the club, build a squad and try to make ourselves competitive.

"We've managed to bring some really good lads in, and we're always looking to strengthen, but I'm proud of how far we've already come.

"But most importantly, I want to thank the players.

"They've bought into the plan, they've stuck with us and they've trusted what we're trying to build. They're a brilliant bunch of young men and I'm genuinely proud of every one of them.

"This was never just about getting a team on to a football pitch every Saturday.

"It was about making sure Bold survived.

"Now it's about rebuilding it, giving it a future and hopefully leaving something behind that the next generation can be proud of.

"We're only at the beginning I would say."

The club's manager extended his gratitude to the backers, sponsors and the stewards at the Bold Miners Club for their support.

Wright said: "X-Met Metals have come on board as sponsor at a really important time for the club.

"Their owner is also a major sponsor of Blackburn Rovers, so for someone involved at that level of football to also get behind a local grassroots club like ours means a huge amount.

"We took over Bold Miners at a time when there was a genuine danger of another local football team folding.

"Since then, we've been working hard to rebuild the club, both on and off the pitch, with the bigger aim of taking the club forward and building something sustainable for the future.

"X-Met Metals have been a massive supporter of what we're trying to achieve.

"Their backing isn't simply a name on the front of a football shirt – they're helping us rebuild a football club and keep local grassroots football alive in the community.

"We're incredibly grateful for their support, and I think it would be great to give some recognition to a local St Helens business that is putting something back into local football while also having such a strong connection with Blackburn Rovers.

"I also have to mention the wonderful support we've received from Mandy and Dave at Bold Miners.

"From the moment we came in, they've backed what we're trying to achieve and that support means an awful lot to me, Adam and everyone involved with the team."

Bold Miners are one of several St Helens teams playing in the Warrington league, but plenty of others have sadly bitten the dust in recent decades, with the demise of St Helens Combination in 2016 – a year short of its centenary – in that time.

Wright added his wish: "I do sometimes yearn for the days of the old St Helens Combination, when local football felt properly local.

"You knew the clubs, the grounds, the players and the rivalries, and there was something special about Saturday football in St Helens.

"I'd love to see that kind of local football thriving again."