SAM'S HITTING NEW HEIGHTS

SAM Rathbone reckons the reality of playing for Avro in the Northern Premier League might not hit home until just seconds before Saturday’s big opener.

The Greater Manchester club reached Step 4 for the first time in their history after play-off success from the North West Counties League helped clinch a third promotion from the last four completed seasons.

Rathbone’s affinity with the club is as profound as it is longstanding. Since progressing through the junior ranks at nearby Oldham Athletic, the centre-back has become a one-club man while several other connections have made it a real family affair.

Youngest sibling Joe is a regular in midfield while dad Steve, himself a former player, sits on the committee.

Middle brother Ben has also worn the club’s colours in the past.

“I don’t know how I’ll feel playing for the club at this level,” Sam told The NLP. “It’s surreal for me because I can remember paying subs to run out in front of three blokes watching games at our old ground not that long ago. It’s different now!

Momentum