IN more ways than one, 2025 will be the start of a new era at Latchford Albion.

Not only will they have a new chairman following Mike Byron’s decision to stand down, but they are also now looking for a new head coach to lead them into next year.

Having been in post since 2018, Martyn Ellis has led the club through one of its most successful periods having won promotion to and established themselves within the North West Men’s League top flight while ensuring a strong pathway for the club’s junior players into the first team.

However, his work within the England Community Lions set-up as under 16s head coach as well as working alongside other age groups has led him to deciding now is the right time to hand over the reigns.

“When the opportunity arose to coach Latchford, I was unsure if I wanted to coach full stop but the club has given me a fresh lease of life,” he said.

“I have made friendships for life and am so proud of the achievements we have made as a club, from where it was when I joined to where it stands today.

“I would like to thank all the players, staff, committee and supporters, who have all played a massive part in this journey.

“I wish the club nothing but the best for the future and look forward to attending fixtures where possible next season.”

Meanwhile, defeat in the final round of regular-season fixtures has left Crosfields with a difficult route through the National Conference League Division One play-offs.

They were beaten 33-16 at home by Hull Dockers on Saturday, which allowed Oulton Raiders to leapfrog them in the final table.

Rob Campbell’s men finish sixth in the standings, meaning they face a trip to third-placed Ince Rose Bridge in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday, with the other semi-final seeing Oulton visit Dewsbury Moor Maroons.

While Soap’s season continues for at least one more week, Woolston Rovers’ 2024 campaign came to an end at the weekend.

They surrendered a 12-6 half-time lead to lose to newly crowned Division One champions Waterhead Warriors, who won 34-12 at Monk Sports Club to cap off an incredible campaign in which they won 19 of their 22 matches.

Jackson Phillips and Jake Proudlove touched down for Woolston’s tries before the break but in the end, the champions proved just too strong.

“Our first half was really good – we took the game to Waterhead and deservedly lead at half time although we should have been further ahead but for a couple of wrong decisions in promising places,” said head coach Liam Lawton, whose side finish the campaign in eighth place.

“In the second half, the Warriors showed why they have been runaway league champions and managed to pull clear of us.

“I couldn’t fault the effort from the lads – they never gave up and kept going right until the end.

“Overall, I am really pleased with how the lads have stepped up in Division One this year and we can really look forward with optimism for next season.”