West are pleased to announce the third signing of pre-season, with Matty Boland being the latest name to join Brad Cooke’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

Matty joins from Irlam, where he has been a crucial part of their squad over the past few seasons, mainly playing in midfield. The 2018/19 campaign saw him make 47 appearances, clocking up 13 goals – including one against West towards the end of the season as we looked to escape the relegation spots. Boland joined Irlam from Atherton Collieries in 2015, being described by one local paper as: “A key player at the Ambitek Stadium. A clinical finisher who can also drop deeper into midfield and dictate the play. Matty shows real quality whenever he steps onto the pitch”.

A key part of the side that finished 13th in the North West Counties Premier Division last time out, the highlight of his side’s campaign was their run to the latter stages of the FA Vase, where Irlam reached the 5th Round. Matty also hit both goals in a 2-1 win as Evo-Stik North side Prescot Cables were knocked out of the FA Cup. He’ll also have a quick reunion with his former teammates as West face Irlam on Friday 12 July in a pre-season fixture – you can see our full friendly fixture list here.

Boland joins Ash Woods and Kris Holt in having dropped down the pyramid in order to play for West, three moves that are sure to set the hearts of West fans racing as we approach the start of the season.

West manager Brad Cooke said of the signing: “I am delighted to get someone with Matty’s quality over the line. The quality he brings at the top end of the pitch is exactly what we are looking for. He is a set-piece specialist and is someone who scores ten plus goals from midfield each season. He has great work rate and is a great lad, I will also have the pleasure of his dad every week too!”

On Twitter, Irlam FC said: “We are sad to say that Matty Boland has today left the club to join NWCFL Division 1 side [West Didsbury & Chorlton]. Matty has given us many great moments in his 4 seasons at the club, including helping us win promotion to the Premier Division; we wish him all the very best in his new venture”

All at the club would like to welcome Matty to West, and we look forward to seeing him in action at Brookburn Road in the near future.

Brilliant footage of @mattyboland_93 opener yesterday v @PrescotCablesFC in @TheFACup ? #TopBins pic.twitter.com/WsKY4LsCta

— IRLAM FC (@IrlamFC) August 26, 2018