The new management team of David Lynch and Chris Holland, supported by Carl Garner and fitness coach Louis Mayers, have been busy squad strengthening with the arrival of four high-profile signings.

Wingmen Terry Cummings and Conor Gaul have also agreed terms for next season, with player-manager Lynch also hoping to retain many of last season’s squad following budget talks with the board.

And off the field plans are also in place to facilitate football again following the abandonment of last season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The green light to resume at Northern Premier League level and start the new season will have to come from the government and the footballing authorities.

Outside revenue streams are set to be hit as football across all levels has to tighten its belt.

But acting Blues’ chairman Andrew Jackson believes Clitheroe will be in robust shape to tackle whatever shape the new campaign takes – as long as paying fans are able to watch.

“We are in a very good position,” said Jackson – the club’s long-serving finance director.

“We were fortunate in the way the season ended in that we only had three home games left.

“Some other teams had seven or eight home games still to play, so I’m not sure how they will be managing.

“We are solvent. We possibly made a small loss, which is good in relation to the expenses and income we had.

"We were fortunate to receive a donation after the end of the season which helped enormously and the complete picture will be discussed at the AGM (date to be confirmed).

“Going forward we are hopeful that people will be able to come back so we aren’t having to stage games behind closed doors. If we have to do that, then it’s just not going to work.”

The Blues’ team of volunteers has continued to give their time to work at Shawbridge on the playing surface and surrounding facilities – all within social distancing guidelines – with the club keen to express their thanks to the groundstaff of Danny, Jim and Peter, with additional help from John and Simon.

Improvements are being made to the ‘grub tub’ and club shop, with social distancing measures also planned for the club bar and toilets should they be required.

And while the sale of season tickets is on hold until firm plans are in place for a resumption - with the likelihood there will be a similar offer to last year - the Blues are still talking to new and existing sponsors to help keep the operation running.

“We are always happy to speak to anyone about sponsorship and commercial opportunities," added Jackson.

"Anyone interested can email the club on clitheroefc@hotmail.com or ring me on 07788662294.

“We will be contacting all the present sponsors to make sure they’re happy to continue.

“It appears the main sponsors are happy, which is good and we’re very grateful for their continued support.

"On the football side, David has made an excellent and exciting start to his plans and we are doing everything we can to prepare for whatever is presented to us as the best way forward for the league.

“We want to see football back at Shawbridge as soon as possible when it’s safe to play and we’ll just have to see where all of this takes us. In the meantime, take care and stay safe.”