THE Shirley boys are back in town.

Premier champions Shirley Working Men’s Social Club A have been promoted to the top flight of Southampton snooker.

And that means 13-time Town Champion Chris Holland will kick off his 52nd season in the Southampton & District Social Clubs League playing number one in the Super League - at the age of 69!

And Mark McLean, captain of Churchills A, is just one of many who will welcome Pete Glasspool’s side with open arms.

Speaking last December, McLean told the Daily Echo how he misses the Shirley boys but that overall he is happy with the new Super League format.

“It’s the first year and it’s going to take some settling in,” he said. “No one really likes change.

“We miss playing teams such as the Shirley (Social) boys.

“Each game’s different because it’s drawn. I could play (Eastleigh) Railway four times and not play the same player.

“I’m quite enjoying it. If there’s so many people that aren’t happy about it - then say something.

“They could extend it to more teams. The only thing that I think is a little bit silly is in a six-week stretch we had our B team three times.”