Carlton Town Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks has said he is thoroughly looking forward to managing the team in their first season in the NCEL Premier Division.

Speaking exclusively to the club's official website, he said: "To think we will be playing teams such as Arnold Town who we have looked up to for years is absolutely outstanding for the club.

"And, despite a couple of set backs which I'm well used to, having been managing for the number of years I have, I'm delighted with the new signings we have made with left sided defender Daniel Fletcher coming in from Barrow and the highly rated Tom Cool who has represented the England University team.

"I am a couple of players short of the squad I need to compete at this level bearing in mind that there will be an increased number of competitions to compete in, but with excellent youngsters coming through too it is exciting times.

"I will endeavour to strengthen the squad, obviously the quality has to be right. We've earned the right to play in this division and obviously need to compete in this division."

"The ground is close to being ready now, and I have got to say the new five a side training pitches are absolutely outstanding.

"We are finalising details for the new changing rooms but the Chairman tells me planning permission has been granted which is great news for the club and over the course of the coming months when everything is completed we will have one of the finest grounds in local football.

He concluded: "I'm fully refreshed and rearing to go, looking forward to exciting new challenges that will face us in the coming months."