TO SAY Droylsden FC is part of the family for Caelan Kilheeney would be somewhat of an understatement.
Having watched them from the terraces as they were in what is now the National League with his grandfather Mick and seen uncle Ciaran play from them, there was never really any other club he could play for.
And having helped them to dramatic promotion success in a play-off final penalty shoot-out last season, there is little doubt of his aims for this term – win the North West Counties League.
Should he do so, the PE teacher at Haughton Green’s St John Fisher Primary School will spark celebrations across Tameside.
“Droylsden is bigger than a North West Counties League club,” said Kilheeney.
“Uncle Ciaran played for them in what’s now the National League and I’ve been watching them for about 17 years now.
“My granddad and I, before he passed away, would go and watch him every weekend, wherever they played.
“We’ve been to clubs like Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, when we drew with them at home, and Ciaran scored in both that game and the replay.
“And my hope is that I leave Droylsden in a better place than where I found it.
“In my first season, we lost in the play-offs and again in my second.
“But to be able to captain the club in the third year to a play-off final and win it – with the Manchester Premier Cup against Curzon Ashton – was unbelievable.
“It was something very special for me and my family. Especially for my granddad.
“And while the kids at St John Fisher can be pretty unforgiving, they know I play for Droylsden.
“At the play-off final, I can’t remember how many kids were there, but it was quite a few.
“They’re very generous and seeing the kids kick on physically gives me great pleasure. When they come and watch me play, it puts a smile on my face.
“And they say that and they view all the videos on YouTube to watch me.”
Life in the North West Counties League Premier Division starts on Saturday, August 1 at home to AFC Liverpool.
That tie and Tuesday, August 4th’s meeting with South Liverpool must be played behind closed doors after Droylsden failed to get a Football Association punishment for crowd disturbances at that final against Maghull overturned.
“It’s a blow because the fans are massive for us and the stadium,” Kilheeney added. “Especially having the first two games at home, that will be a massive loss.
“I think the crowds we get are why everyone wants to play four us – and why everyone wants to beat us.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding the start at a higher level, do not think fear is the prevailing emotion at the Butchers Arms, it is more the opposite.
Kilheeney told The Correspondent: “We’ve played teams in that league last year in the cup and we came out on top. It’s nothing to be afraid of really.
“All I want to do is go and get promoted again. if I can get back-to-back promotions on my CV, that would be fantastic.
“There’s no reason why we can’t compete in this league. We’ve beaten teams higher than that too.
“Our target is to win the league again and we’ve got a really good connection to kick on again and go and compete.
“The lads that have come in are only going to add to what we’ve already got. It will obviously be a step up, but we’re ready for the challenge because we know what we’re capable of.
“Last year ,we played teams three leagues higher, four leagues higher and beat them. So, there’s no reason why we can’t go and beat anyone.”