New Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Chris Hilton (right) with club chairman Allen Bethel
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Next season is “rebuilding project” at Stocksbridge Park Steels, according to their new manager Chris Hilton.
Stocksbridge return to the Evo Stik Division One South in August after being relegated from the Premier Division in April.
Former Worsbrough Bridge boss Hilton and his assistant Mark ‘Willy’ Wilson were handed the reins three weeks ago and the pair got their first signature earlier this week when leading striker Nathan Joynes put pen to paper.
Looking ahead to next season, Hilton told Sports Performer: “It’s a rebuilding project.
“The main aim is to steady the ship. It would be nice to get into the play-offs, but realistically it is about making sure the foundations are there first to get this club back where it should be.
“It has been a frustrating time for the club having been relegated because they should be in the Division above.
“We have a fantastic ground and the best pitch in South Yorkshire in my opinion. Everything is here. The junior set-up has over 300 kids with teams from under sixes upwards.
“It is also a case of looking to integrate players from the under 18s into the first team and looking to produce another Jamie Vardy.”
Eight clubs were chasing Joynes, but Hilton and Wilson, who played over 1500 Non-League matches between them during their playing careers, persuaded him to remain at Stocksbridge.
“He decided to stay after speaking with myself and Willy individually,” Hilton added.
“He is one of the best strikers in the league and scored 21 goals in the league above last season.
“Getting him to re-sign is a massive lift for the club.”
Hilton hopes to be able to name two further signings next week.