Bought by agent Paul Stretford in 2018, the Blues won three promotions in four years but struggled for consistency in the NPL Premier last term.
Long-serving manager David McNabb left early in the campaign and replacement Jody Banim resigned 11 games from home, leaving Clegg to pick up the pieces.
As the architect of Atherton Collieries’ meteoric rise through the pyramid, the 39-year-old instantly identified the source of Rylands’ woes and has spent the summer “realigning” his owner’s soaring ambition.
“I’m not saying for a moment that they didn’t respect the opposition,” says Clegg. “But they’d been on an upwards spiral so long that I just don’t think they realised the league would be as tough as it was. In the end, that caught up with them.
“I did it myself with Atherton Cols, so there’s no better person to say ‘Look, I know where you’ve been, I know what you’ve done, and I know what happens next’.
Process
Denne historien er fra July 16, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra July 16, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
