Garforth manager Graham Nicholas watching over proceedings last night with his new assistant Neil Jones (right)
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Graham Nicholas believes Garforth Town can challenge for the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division title in 2014-15.
Despite operating on a limited budget, Nicholas remains convinced that Garforth will be one of the best sides in what is set to be one of the most exciting Premier Division seasons in recent memory.
Nicholas began his pre-season training last night at Wheatley Park with trials for prospective players and whilst being aware of other club’s ambitions, he expects his club to fight for the one promotion spot to the Evo Stik Division One North.
Nicholas said: “The aim is to win the league
“Last season was about stability and I believe in my players and they’re as good as anybody.
“I’m really pleased with the ones (from last season) who have committed to the club and it is about building around them and I’m sure we can compete and get the consistency.
“I don’t think I am selling myself too high. Some would say it is too ambitious, but you have got to be.
“We have got to aim high. I’ve seen the teams out there and although some are spending big money bringing in experienced players, you still have to man-manage that squad and keep everyone happy.
“The way we finished the season by going to places like Worksop Parramore and Athersley Rec, all big teams, and winning and that shows we can compete.
“I’m delighted with the players I have got and I’m sure we’ll surprise people next season.”
Graham Nicholas speaking during a break at Garforth Town’s trials last night
Nicholas was joined by his new assistant Neil Jones for the trials and the pair casted their eyes over potential recruits.
Garforth have already retained club captain Andy Hawksworth, Liam Smith, Tawanda Rupere, Nick Black, Sam Akeroyd, Curtly Martin-Wyatt, Jamie Sutton, Max Newbould, Jassim Alali and Ben Hunter.
Centre-back Rob Pacey, a vital member of Steve Nichol’s 2011-12 team which is arguably Garforth’s greatest in their 50 year history, has returned to the club after a spell out of the game.
Nicholas hopes to have a firm idea of his squad for the season before his side’s first friendly which is at Brighouse Town on 8th July.
“We’re running trials over two dates and it is about trying to see if we can pick out any rough diamonds to come and join the squad,” he said.
“The squad at present is small. I’ve managed to retain ten key players and the trials are about identifying the right players to come in.
“We had 14 tonight, more are coming next week and hopefully by the 2nd July the squad will be sorted to go into the first friendly.
“I’ll have 25 players for the Brighouse game and what I’m not going to do is trial players like we did against Yorkshire Amateur (where Garforth lost 8-3 last summer) and end up being embarrassed.
“There’s been disappointment because I’d identified six or seven players, but they’ve gone elsewhere because that’s where the money is.
“Rob Pacey is a key signing to strengthen the back four so I have players in mind and it’s about getting players to sign forms now.”
Another aim for Nicholas is fielding the same side for two consecutive games – a feat he never managed last season.