Walmsley returns home as Celtic bid to make winning start against Waterhead

Dewsbury Celtic will look to hit the ground running when they welcome Waterhead to Crow Nest Park for their opening National Conference League Division Three fixture on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).
Dewsbury Celtic host Waterhead in their opening Natioanl Conference Division Three game on Saturday.Dewsbury Celtic host Waterhead in their opening Natioanl Conference Division Three game on Saturday.
Dewsbury Celtic host Waterhead in their opening Natioanl Conference Division Three game on Saturday.

The open age game will form part of a double header with Celtic Under-18s meeting local rivals Birstall Victoria in a friendly at 1pm.

Celtic welcome Liam Walmsley, brother of St Helens star Alex, back to the club following spells in the professional game with Batley Bulldogs and Featherstone Rovers.

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New Celtic chairman Danny Lee admits the side are raring to go after a pre-season which has seen up to 60 lads regularly attending training sessions.

Lee is one of Celtic’s longest serving players and is confident they can mount a promotion challenge this season.

He said: “We have switched things about a bit with the Under-16 and 18s training alongside the first and second teams.

“We have also seen a change in the players’ culture and many of the lads have given up their Friday teatime drinking session in favour of doing extra training, which shows how committed they have been.”

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Hunslet Hawks player Danny Thomas is head coach this season, assisted by Celtic stalwarts Mark Brierley and Lee and they have appointed Pat Foulstone as captain.

He will be one of three Foulstone brothers turning out for the first team this season with younger sibling Paul joining Pat and Mike, despite still qualifying at Under-18s level.

Half-back Dom Senior and centre Joe Walton are two more who have come through Celtic’s junior ranks.

Lee added: “There is a real buzz about the place and some of the old Celtic supporters are coming back and we have some major sponsors on board too.

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“We gave a strong Shaw Cross side a good game and they are two divisions above us.

“We have been seen as the minnows of this area for some time but we now want to get back to where we think we should be and I’m sure we will be challenging for promotion.”

There is sure to be plenty of interest in Division Three with Dewsbury rivals Celtic and

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