Graham Nicholas is enjoying his time as Garforth Town head coach
Garforth Town head coach Graham Nicholas insists the club can be “proud” of the progress made on and off-the-field since the summer, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Garforth came close to extinction after their relegation from the Evo Stik Division One North, but thanks to owner Rupert Lowe and the Richmond International Academic Soccer Academy, the Miners have lived to fight another day.
Nicholas was appointed at the end of June and began his tenure with no players on the books and a new committee, formed of local people, finding their feet.
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division campaign was a step into the unknown for everyone, but Garforth have defied expectations and sit comfortably in mid-table so Nicholas is happy.
“I think we’re doing alright and I think we can be proud,” he told Sports Performer.
“There are still improvements to be made. On paper, the players I’ve got, I’m delighted with. But, I’m frustrated because I know that if we had all the players are here every-week, we should be higher than what we are.
“I’m enjoying my time here and I’ve no issues with anyone. It is difficult to find the balance between playing the RIASA lads and the Leeds Met along with the fringe players and trying to keep everyone happy.
“One thing I’ll be looking at in the New Year is committed players. We need players at training so we can work on things and need players committed so we have consistency.
“Considering where the club was at the start of the season, we’re doing alright. I do want to do better though.”
Last time out Garforth were beaten 5-3 by Pickering Town at Wheatley Park. The game will be remembered for the controversial Pickering equaliser and all the post-match comments were about the referee’s display.
Nicholas was really pleased with his own players’ performance and said: “I said to the boys at half-time if you want anything from a Christmas cracker this would be it.
“It had everything. Silly bookings, silly fouls, good football and lots of goals and that is what you want around Christmas. The work ethic, the desire was there.
“Defensively we were poor and the lads know that we need to work on that. Going forward and the work rate I think we’re brilliant.”
Garforth travel to Parkgate tomorrow and Nicholas is aiming to name a strong side. Some of his Leeds Met University players have gone home for Christmas so the likes of Ryan Carr are missing.
However, Nicholas remains confident that Garforth can do the business.
“Some of the Leeds Met lads have gone home because they live in Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester so we will be missing them,” he said.
“The other players have a chance to shine and this is their opportunity. I think we will have a decent squad to go to Parkgate and I’m hopeful we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.
“Hopefully we can get a result because we need to put the Pickering result behind us.”