Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Danny Critchlow is facing a twelve month lay-off
The search is on for a new striker at Hemsworth Miners Welfare as Danny Critchlow has been ruled out for the whole season.
Critchlow has been diagnosed with a cruciate knee ligament injury. It is a major blow for Hemsworth as the former Nostell and Tadcaster forward was one of their top scorers last season and a huge part of their title-winning squad.
“Unfortunately Danny has had some bad news,” Wayne Benn told Non League Yorkshire.
“He hurt his knee against Emley and it took a while as it does with the NHS to get seen. He’s now had confirmation that he has torn his cruciate knee ligament.
“The lad is going to be out for nine to twelve months which is a blow to him and us.
“It is far from ideal, but we have to deal with it. He is a big loss for us, but we have to get out and find someone to replace him.”
Blown out of the water
Hemsworth manager Wayne Benn says he has been blown out of the water financially by clubs in the league below when trying to sign players
Benn has also revealed that Hemsworth have struggled to compete financially with clubs in Division One for players.
Because he has been hitting brick walls, Brice Tiani and goalkeeper Sam Leigh are his only new signings.
“I have been on the phone to players, but it has been a frustrating summer,” he said.
“I have spoke to various people, but I’m pulling up blanks at the moment.
“I think clubs who you wouldn’t expect seem to be paying good money.
“The play-offs (in Division One) have opened that up. Teams you wouldn’t associate with spending money are finding it from somewhere and are being able to attract a better calibre of player.
“We have literally been blown out of the water financially by clubs in the Division we have just left, on a couple of occasions.
“We’re not panicking though, our eyes and ears are open. We have irons in the fire.
“We want to add a striker and I might be looking for a wide player as well.”