SATURDAY will provide a satisfying "full circle" moment for Warrington Rylands boss Michael Clegg.

This time last year, he had just been resigned as Ashton United manager following a nightmare Christmas period which saw them concede 10 goals across defeats to neighbours Hyde United and FC United of Manchester.

It was the worst possible start to 2023 for Clegg, but he soon found a home he now cherishes at Gorsey Lane having filled the Rylands hotseat in February.

On Saturday, he returns to Hurst Cross for the first time since leaving looking to keep his Blues side’s promotion challenge – and the only unbeaten away record remaining in the top seven tiers of English football – on track.

Ashton too are in a good place and are challenging for a play-off spot under Clegg’s replacement Steve Cunningham, setting up an intriguing clash between the two.

From Clegg’s point of view, however, he is glad to see all parties emerge from a difficult time in a much better place.

“In terms of everything – life, health, family and football – I’m in a much better place than I was 12 months ago,” he said.

“As much as I’ve been a good fit here, I think Cunny has been a good fit for Ashton and it’s worked out well for all parties.

“I still have a great relationship with the Ashton chairman and do some work with him outside of football.

“There’s absolutely no bitterness going any way – it’s just ended up in the perfect situation in that they’ve done well since I’ve left and we’ve done well here since I’ve arrived.

“For me personally, I’ve come to Rylands and I don’t necessarily let defeats get me down like I used to.

“For me, it’s been the perfect year and it’s been hard for me not to enjoy it with this bunch.

“They give you everything regardless of results – as a manager, that’s always the best place to be.”

Despite losing 3-2 to Macclesfield in front of a season-high crowd of 1,148 on New Year’s Day, Blues remain second in the Northern Premier League Premier Division table.

Leaders Radcliffe are four points ahead of Clegg’s men with two games in hand while Macc are one of three sides who have now closed to within three points of the Gorsey Lane men behind.

The other two – Worksop Town and Whitby Town – face each other on Saturday.