Mark Simpson pledges his future to Garforth Town. Simpson is pictured with Graham Nicholas and chairman Brian Close (right)
Garforth Town have announced their retained list along with a raft of new signings.
Most of the old favourites are confirmed to be back for another campaign in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division which will be Graham Nicholas’ third season in charge.
Supporters’ player of the year Ben Hunter, their goalkeeper, is returning and so are the bulk of his defenders – Jassim Alali, Danny Harris, club captain Andy Hawksworth, Chris Simpkins and Tim Robertson.
The midfield is already taking shape as Ash Preece, Sam Jones and Mohamad Isam are staying.
Mark Simpson, Sinmi Oyebanji and Spencer Lund will among the Garforth attackers terrorising NCEL defences.
Nicholas has also snapped up two of his old players from the last two years – Curtly Martin-Wyatt and goalkeeper Dom Smith.
Whilst, the old guard have committed themselves, Nicholas has recruited new blood.
An interesting acquisition among the new faces is local lad Matty Marshall.
Striker Marshall struck 33 goals for mid-table Garforth Rangers in Division Two of the West Yorkshire League last season so Miners fans will be watching his progress with interest.
Familiar faces from the NCEL arriving at Wheatley Park include Parkgate midfielder Ross Shelton and former Pontefract Collieries striker Nathan Perks.
Defender Daniel Monfredi is another new arrival. Monfredi was the player at the centre of the Athersley Recreation-Shaw Lane Aquaforce debacle in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup last season.
Also joining Garforth is Sam Clarkson (Millmoor Juniors), Simon Rogers (Dodworth MW), Thomas Smith (Barnsley Academy), Jack Williams (Houghton Main, Joel Scott and Daniel Pett.