Shane Kelsey has announced his intention to retire after helping Hemsworth Miners Welfare win the Toolstation NCEL Division One title.
Kelsey, a great of the modern NCEL era, turned out for the final time in Hemsworth’s 4-1 defeat at Penistone. That is his last game as he is suspended for Hemsworth’s two remaining matches.
“My plans are to finish because I have a family to think about,” Kelsey told Non League Yorkshire, speaking before he was told of his impending suspension.
“I have been selfish for a lot of years. My lad is nearly five-year-old and it is time for him to be kicking a ball around.”
Starting out as a youngster at Worsbrough Bridge, Kelsey played in the side that surprised many by finishing third in Division One in 2002. He went onto play for Garforth Town and then Ossett Albion for a long stint. He also turned out Ossett Town and Sheffield FC, mixed in with a return to Worsbrough.
The twilight years have been his finest. He goes down in Shaw Lane Aquaforce history books as one of their greatest players having helped them win promotion out of Division One before playing a major part in their Premier Division title triumph. He is also remembered for his role in Aquaforce’s charge to the FA Vase quarter-finals last season.
Although he enjoyed a lot of success with Aquaforce, he ranks winning the league with Hemsworth as a bigger achievement.
“You have to look at the age of the team and how many teams have tried with a good budget with so-called star players and a bigger squad, but haven’t done it,” he said.
“Without being smug, we have done it comfortably. In the last eight or nine games we have struggled, but we have still comfortably won the league.
“Let’s not take that away from our achievement because it is an outstanding one with a lot of players under 20-year-old. In context with winning the league with Aquaforce, you have to rank it a little higher.
“With Shaw Lane you’re always expected to have a chance. Hemsworth, realistically you’re looking at top six after last season, but this, it has blown us out of the water.”
Shane Kelsey with the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division trophy last season. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Shane Kelsey celebrates winning the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division. Picture: White Rose Photos
Kelsey was a member of the Aquaforce side that came so close to reaching Wembley. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
His greatest moment?: Kelsey celebrates his incredible goal from his own half in Shaw Lane’s famous FA Vase win at West Auckland. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Kelsey have been a major part of Hemsworth’s title-winning campaign
Shane Kelsey pictured during his last game – Hemsworth’s 4-1 defeat to Penistone
Kelsey has ruled out making an immediate return to the NCEL in a management capacity. It is an avenue he wants to explore in the future, but not at this current point in time – even with him being seen by many as an ideal candidate for the vacant Worsbrough’s manager’s position.
“You have to envy Benno (Wayne Benn) and Craig Elliott because of the mount of time and dedication they put into it, along with the sacrifice to their families,” he added.
“You have to really think whether you can afford to do that. I’d like to do it with a junior side and take them all the way through, but as for the dugout at NCEL kind of level, yes, but I don’t think I could give the kind of dedication it needs. Maybe though in the future.”
Listen to the full interview and find out what Kelsey’s favourite individual moment is.