ONE of Avro’s new leadership team spoke to Avro media about the management pair’s history and how things have progressed for them at the club so far.
David Birch said that he and fellow Avro manager Mike Norton have known each other for about 25 years.
“We first met playing football against each other,” said Birch.
“I was at Curzon Ashton when Mike was at Woodley Sports.
“Mike was an up and coming centre forward that everyone was talking about — I was just a young right back trying to make my way. “
David Birch on fellow manager MIke Norton back when they first met
“Norts signed for The Nash and we played the next six or seven years together.
“I moved onto Hyde United, I hold the record for most appearances for Curzon Ashton and this is something I am really proud of to this day.
“Benito Lowe’s dad, Gary was the manager at Curzon Ashton, he sadly passed away a couple of years ago.”
Benito joined the side this season as an early signing once the club’s new management team were put in place.
“He took the job at Hyde United and took me with him.
“He was a very close friend of Mike and me.
“I became captain of The Tigers and we won the league that season, in the Conference North.
“In that time Mike had signed for FC United and became a fan favourite.
“They loved the way he played, he was an absolutely brilliant centre forward.
“He worked his socks off, was aggressive and was very good in the air.
“He could score goals, he was a good all round footballer.
“At the end of that season I couldn’t agree to a deal with Hyde to go so I moved onto FC United and joined back up with Norts.
“We spent the next three and a half seasons together again and ended up winning the Northern Premier League as players again.
“After that I went back to Hyde for a short period before retiring.
“Norts went on to play longer and ended up playing for Avro.
“He helped the club climb the leagues back in the day.
“He was a fan favourite at The Ro as well because that was the type of player he was then.
“New Mills gave us an opportunity to manage and we had two and half years there.
“Covid threw a spanner in the works and it was a tough period.
“We absolutely loved our time there, we went to the play-off final against Isle of Mann and lost narrowly in front of 3,500 people.
“We just fell short.
“We moved onto Abbey Hey and six or seven games into the season we realised we had a great set of lads there and we ended up getting promoted.
“We beat Stockport Town on penalties and it was an unbelievable feeling.
“To do it with my best mate Mike Norton was an amazing feat as a manager.
“We’ve now moved onto Avro.”
David said pre-season had gone well.
“It probably could have not gone any better except for some injuries that we are waiting to find out more about but apart from that, it has been fantastic.
“We have cemented a way we are going to play, we have a lot of experience to draw on.
“We’ve brought in some new players including Mike Phenix, Benito Lowe, Kane Hickman, A J Warburton, Issac Lopes, Sam Davidson and Dillon Edmundson.
“They have settled in great.
“Guys like Benito Lowe have been great but he is one to watch because he will just get better.
“Mike Phenix is strong, aggressive, quick and capable, he will be a big signing for us.
“Everyone can see what he brings to the table.
“Issac is a really good young player and is one for the future.
“A J has stepped up and met the challenges so far.
“All the lads have took to him and he has done really well in the pre-season.
“I am really looking forward to seeing him in action this season.
“Sam Davidson is amazing, he plays with no fear, is 18 years old and is another one with a bright future.
“Young Dillon has a great attitude and he has loads of ability.
“Kane Hickman came over from Mossley and he was there captain last year.
“You can see why, his work rate, attitude and talent has impressed me.
“The squad was good but we think these additions will help us.
“We have some great characters and we have built a great rapport.
“We have had a good pre-season but you don’t win anything for that period.
“There is a brilliant atmosphere around the place and long may it continue.
“We are going to have a real go this season.
“I don’t want to put any targets on anything, we want to play enjoyable football and we will do our best.
“It is a learning curve for the first few games and we will take it week by week.
“One game at a time is the way to progress forward at this stage.
“We are really happy with our squad and excited for the season.
“I want to add that we are hoping for a positive campaign.
“I have been in football long enough to know that there will be ups and downs, the important thing is we all stick together, no matter what happens.
“You can’t get too high on the highs or too low on the lows.
“Onwards and upwards and up The RO.”
