STEVEN MULLANEY has admitted that he is unlikely to play for Firwood Bootle next season.
The 22-year-old all-rounder finally confirmed his departure from Lancashire when he signed a two-year contract with Nottinghamshire on Tuesday and his commitments at Trent Bridge look almost certain to prevent him turning out for the Wadham Road side.
“I’ve talked to David Snellgrove and it’s more than likely I’m not going to play for Bootle,” said Mullaney.
“We’re still talking though, and if we come to the conclusion that it would be too difficult for me, I’ll play some games for Leigh and try and get them back in the Premier League. I’ll still help Bootle in the winter though, and I’ll also assist them with recruiting new players.”
Mullaney’s offer of help will probably be very welcome to Wadham Road skipper David Snellgrove, who has already lost two of of the side which won four trophies in 2009.
Jack Kelliher has opted to join Saddleworth League side Bamford Fieldhouse and Matty Lawless has moved to Sefton Park. And pace bowler Mark O’Connor has begun a new job in London and his availability in 2010 is uncertain.
Despite his disappointment at the possibility of losing Mullaney, Snellgrove was keen to pay tribute to the player who scored 909 league runs last season and played a key role in Bootle winning three knock-out trophies including the Liverpool ECHO Knock-out and the Lancashire Cup.
“Steven’s been absolutely brilliant for us from day one,” said Snellgrove. “We were hoping he was going to play for us for some time to come but he’s got a great opportunity at Notts and we wish him all the best.”
