The countdown to the new North West Counties League season begins in earnest on Saturday as Prestwich Heys return to action with two friendlies in one day, writes Stephen Howard.

After two weeks of training, the match practice gets under way at 11am as Heys travel to Belle Vue Sports Village to face their old Manchester League rivals Manchester Gregorians, before then heading to Stockport Town(3pm ko).

Heys have made a similar arrangement for the following Saturday with two matches at Adie Moran Park. They will host another old rival from the Manchester League in Hindsford (12noon ko) then play Counties First Division North side, Atherton LR (3pm ko). The two sides met in the Bolton Hospital Cup Final last season Heys triumphed 2-0.

Joint Managers Lee O’Brien and James Hampson will be looking to fine tune their players as they look to build on the progress made in attaining a seventh placed Premier Division finish last season when the League action starts on 29th July. They have been successful in retaining nearly all last season’s squad and will be looking to complete several new signings as they look to push for promotion.

Of last season’s squad two of the young talents that emerged have signed contract terms. Regan Brown, a 17-year-old defender who joined Heys from Ashton Athletic midway through last season and made 10 appearances has committed for the season.

Lee O’Brien said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure Regan for the coming season. He is an exciting, young talent who I look forward to working with and seeing develop further in the year ahead.”

Meanwhile, Jacob Ngoy has also signed a 12-month deal. The 19-year-old full back joined Heys last summer from Manchester League Monton and was a relative unknown at semi-professional level. However, he went onto to have an outstanding season making 46 appearances, scoring two goals. He was named Players Player of the Year by his teammates.

James Hampson said: “ I am delighted we have secured such a bright, young player in Jacob and look forward to working with him again in the coming season.”

Season tickets are now available to purchase. Matchday admission prices have been frozen at last year’s prices of £7 Adults, £4 Concessions and Under 16’s free. However, buying a season ticket represents a saving on matchday admission prices of up to 15 per cent and prices are Adults £137 Concessions £78, Under 16’s free. To purchase, find out more information and Terms & Conditions please contact heystreasurer@btinternet.com

* Heys full pre-season matches: Saturday, July 1: Manchester Gregorians Away (11am)' Stockport Town Away (3pm): Saturday, July 8: Hindsford Home (12pm), Atherton LR Home (3pm); Tuesday, July 11: Nelson Home (7.45pm); Saturday, July 15: Atherton Collieries Home (3pm); Tuesday, July 18: Abbey Hey Away (7.45pm); Saturday, July 22: Radcliffe FC Home (3pm).