Toolstation NCEL Division One
Darren Hepworth will continue to lead AFC Emley next season
One of the longest serving managers in the Toolstation NCEL has committed to another season.
AFC Emley chief Darren Hepworth and his assistants Joe Howson and Pat Piercy will continue to be in the Welfare Ground dugout next season.
Despite being in the heat of a promotion battle, Emley’s committee wanted to keep the trio in place regardless of whether they are playing Premier Division football next season or not.
Hepworth told the Huddersfield Examiner: “Although we’re still very much focused on delivering this season, I’m delighted we can already have half an eye on next term.
“This is the strongest squad I’ve ever worked with and I want all of them involved next year.
“This will only help as we try and persuade all the players to carry on the journey we’re on.”
Hepworth’s men are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run in the league and have games-in-hand which could take them up to third.
Although promotion has eluded Hepworth since he replaced Darren Bland in November 2010, his achievements at Emley are still big.
He has ensured that the first team, development team and under 19s all work in tandem and has consistently blooded many young players in the NCEL over the past six years. Hepworth also attends nearly every match involving the development team and under 19s side.
The club are now reaping the rewards of their patience as many of the current first team have come through the system, such as Sam Scrivens, Jordan Coduri and Ruben Jerome.