New look: Secretary Granville Marshall with Simon Turfrey (chairman), Paul Lines and Rob Bordman. Photo: Malcolm Lumb
Paul Lines admits that Nostell Miners Welfare have to hit the ground running in the six-pointer with fellow strugglers Armthorpe Welfare tomorrow.
The new Nostell chief has spent this week recruiting players for the Crofton-based club as he attempts to steer them to safety and then lead them towards a brighter future.
Five players signed forms last night and more are expected during the 17-day break after the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division clash with Armthorpe at Crofton.
Lines told Non League Yorkshire: “If we want to go where we want to go then we have to recruit and that’s going to happen.
“If the weather is ok and the game tomorrow is played then there will be changes.
“We’re mindful that we need three points. If we win 1-0, 2-0, I’m not bothered as long as we get three points.
“They’ll be revved up (after the 10-0 defeat to Tadcaster) because they will be wounded. It’s imperative we get three points, but the season won’t be won or lost tomorrow.”
Lines says he has “had a lot of interest from a lot of players” since his appointment on Monday morning.
So far, midfielder Greg Porter (formerly of Brighouse), Stefan Connor (former Leeds United youngster), Darrell Kendall (ex-Wakefield, Thackley and Garforth player), Liam Gowen and quick striker James Burgess have arrived at Nostell.
Burgess, who has played for Guiseley, Garforth, Shaw Lane and most recently Hunslet in the West Yorkshire League, looks set to join assistant manager Rob Bordman in the attacking positions.
Former Yorkshire Amateur and Wakefield chief Lines expects Nostell to survive comfortably, even though they currently occupy the second relegation spot with just nine points.
He said: “We’ll be fine. I’m confident. It won’t be a problem.
“It is like when we were at Wakey. We’re in a mini-league and if you beat all the teams in and around you, you’re going to be fine.
“With the sort of quality I want in there and what I expect from people, there’s no reason why we can’t climb the table.
“It is early days, but I’m quite confident. It’s exactly the same sort of situation that we had when I went into Wakefield three years ago.
“We need points on straightaway. Saturday is a prime example because they are in and around us so we have to beat them. There’s no two ways about it.”
Lines’ reign began with a 5-2 defeat to Handsworth Parramore in the NCEL League Cup on Tuesday night.
It was the perfect chance to assess his inherited side and he added: “We’re building so I needed to see what was here and to be fair in the first half we gave a decent account of ourselves.
“We ran out of steam in the second half. Two injuries as well. Brandon Kane pulled up with a hamstring injury and Joe Walton pulled up with a calf injury.
“It’s early days. I’m impressed with some of the players I saw, especially the young ones.”
Lines has also put on record his gratitude to Nostell’s committee.
Granville Marshall, who remains the secretary, issued a plea for help two weeks ago and Lines and new chairman Simon Turfrey answered it.
“I’d like to thank Granville and the committee for giving us a chance,” he said.
“It was a big step for them because they had to do something. The blueprint is stay in the league this year and then next year, hopefully better things.”