Alan Semley admits the focus is on developing young players at Goole
Alan Semley has pledged to give his young Goole AFC players time to prove they can produce the goods in the Evo Stik Division One South.
The new Goole boss has overseen a win and a defeat since taking the helm two weeks ago following the departure of Curtis Woodhouse because of radical budget cuts.
Baron Bloom’s exit as chairman at the end of last year left Goole with an urgent need to trim the squad and Semley had five players on the books upon his appointment.
Semley, who has managed reserve and academy sides at Frickley, AFC Emley and Ossett Town, had to quickly gather a side together for the 2-1 defeat to league leaders Sutton Coldfield.
Goole beat Market Drayton on Saturday and Semley admits youth is the way forward for his club.
“The focus is on younger players because of the financial constraints,” he told Non League Yorkshire.
“Basically the club could not sustain the financial outlay on players so now it is at a realistic level.
“The focus is on developing local lads.
“I spoke to (Goole’s new chairman) Steve (Shorthouse) and there was no hiding from the fact that the club was in a perilous position.
“Drastic measures had to be taken and the club run will be in a more pragmatic way from now on.
“I have been involved with youth sides at Evo Stik youth level and I’ve always said that lads don’t get a chance.
“With Goole now, there is the perfect opportunity for young players to stake their claim.
“I won’t deny that there will be some experienced lads, but it will be a mix of both, but mainly youth
“We’re not in a relegation scrap so the young lads can relax and show what they can do.
“What they have shown already is commitment and work rate.
“It is a good opportunity for young players.”
Semley is assisted by Keith Mackie and former Nostell Miners Welfare manager Darren Holmes at Goole.
He believes only one more new player will join before the home game with Kidsgrove Athletic tomorow.
Since his appointment, Semley has signed 13 players and also used lads from the club’s under 19s team.
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