Bamber Bridge boss targets top spots as season gets under way this weekend

Brig completed their pre-season programme on Tuesday night with a 2-2 draw against a Salford City XI, ahead of kicking off the league season against Matlock Town at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday.

They have also been able to bring in several new additions to the squad, with Bolton loanee pair George Thomason and Callum King-Harmes being joined by Isaac Sinclair and former Chester midfielder Scott Burton.

And Milligan praised the attitude of the new signings, whilst being hopeful of being able to add in a couple more faces as the season gets under way.

He said: “We’ve signed a few good players and the squad is slowly building, we’re getting there. We’re probably two or three short if I’m honest.

“I’m hoping with a little bit of luck we can get a little bit more money in and maybe get another one in before Saturday, but we’ll see what happens.

“I’ve played against Scott a few times and he’s a nightmare to play against, so I’ve brought him in to get that changing room going and build that bit of team spirit.

“George came in last season from Bolton and he was the first player that I tried to get back in.

“Thankfully, Bolton let us have him, and he’s been different class.”

The Brig boss believes that the new additions, coupled with the retention of key players from last season’s squad, should help his side push for the play-offs.

“(We’re aiming for the play-offs) 100%, the lads know that,” Milligan said.

“There’s no reason (why not), if we keep everyone fit and add a couple more players and get a few more players back from injury.

“I know on their day that they can beat anyone.”

Brig launched their player and staff sponsorship programme for the 2020/21 season last week, with an excellent response from the local community.

The programme has alerted the attention of those outside the club as well, with Milligan himself being sponsored by a South Shields supporter, something which he says highlights the good work that Brig do as a club.

He said: “It’s great that a fellow fan from another club recognises what a good little club we’ve got.

“It’s a friendly, family club, so I was made up with that.”