Toolstation NCEL Division One
- Popular centre-half Jack Steers is bidding farewell to Hemsworth Miners Welfare and the UK.
- Steers is going to Australia with Penistone Church attacker Danny Barlow.
- The league leaders visit Eccleshill United tomorrow afternoon.
Jack Steers has been an integral figure in the rise of Hemsworth
Hemsworth Miners Welfare plan to give departing defender Jack Steers a send-off to remember, Wayne Benn has said.
Steers is heading to Australia to play and work with Penistone Church attacker Danny Barlow and has already played his last game for Hemsworth because of an injury picked up in the recent win over Grimsby Borough. The centre-back has been an integral part of the Benn’s masterplan which has seen Hemsworth turn themselves from a perennial mid-table side into Division One heavyweights. The league leaders hope to make it a perfect day tomorrow by winning at Eccleshill United and then making Steers’ farewell bash a memorable night.
“He has grown as a lad and player since he came to Hemsworth and he has been outstanding,” Benn told Non League Yorkshire. “He’s been arguably our best player over the last 12 months.
“It is a big blow, but when opportunities like going to Australia come, you can’t fault him. He goes with our best wishes. He knows if and when he comes back that there is always a place for him at Hemsworth. He would be welcomed back with open arms.
“He won’t be forgotten when he leaves us. He has played a massive part in our development in the last two seasons. We’re all sad to see him go. We’re having a celebration-going away night on Saturday and everybody is attending, not one person is missing which is fantastic. It shows what the lads think of him. We want to go to Eccleshill, get three points and make Saturday night a really good night for Jack and everyone concerned.”
Because of the injury to Steers, his replacement Luke Danville has already two appearances for Hemsworth, making an instant impact after scoring the winner at Glasshoughton in midweek.
“Luke has come in really because we’re losing Jack and the fact he got injured,” Benn added. “It was vitally important we got someone on board to fill big shoes because Jack has been immense for us. It is a blow and we had to react to that especially with the position we are in
“When we heard that Luke might be available it was a bit of a no-brainer. He’s a proven centre-half at this level and above. He’s got experience and he’s won promotion from this league in the last two years which is a big benefit. You can see when he plays that he is an old-fashioned no-nonsense centre-half. He wins headers, tackles and doesn’t try to do anything too fancy or pretty. I think he compliments young Harry Viggars really well and he will be an important player for us. He has made a big impression on our fans in his first two games.”
Listen Again
Hear what Benn had to say after his side’s late win at Glasshoughton on Tuesday night.