Toolstation NCEL Division One
Yorkshire Amateur
Yorkshire Amateur
Serious injuries to star players killed hopes of really building on what was achieved in the 2014/15. Although Tom Rose has gone to Nostell, The Ammers have made some serious signings and look set to be a powerful team this time around.
The Manager
Phil Harding (alongside Chris Hitchings & Joel Hughes)
Yorkshire Amateur manager Phil Harding
Because of the departures of Rick Addy and David Thompson, Harding is now working in tandem with senior players Hitchings and Hughes. Harding, the former manager of hugely successful Leeds Sunday League side Chapeltown Fforde Grene, is in his fourth term in the Bracken Edge dugout.
Opening Five Fixtures
Worsbrough Bridge (H), Winterton Rangers (A), Shirebrook Town (A), Selby Town (H), Glasshoughton Welfare (A).
Player Movement
In: Dempsey Smith, Curtis Bernard, Freddie Swales, Leroy McIntosh, Aiden Lewis, Andy Townsend, Nick Bishop, Salu Dawo.
Out: Craig Heard (sabbatical from football), Ben Hunter, Tom Rose (Nostell Miners Welfare).
One to Watch
Leroy McIntosh (Midfielder)
Yorkshire Amateur midfielder Leroy McIntosh
Prediction
Play-offs contenders
Interview
Joel Hughes
Yorkshire Amateur player/coach Joel Hughes
At least if the chips are down at Yorkshire Amateur, Joel Hughes knows he can upon his famous sister to come and put a smile back on faces.
His sibling is award-winning comedian London Hughes who regularly features on TV and made a memorable appearance in ITV2 show Bad Bridesmaid.
“She’s doing well and I’m very proud of her,” Hughes told Non League Yorkshire.
“She’s making revenue. I don’t think I’m at her level yet. We’ve had a few professional footballers in the family as my cousin is Jermaine McGlashan who has just moved from Gillingham to Southend. My other cousin is Leroy Griffiths who used to play for QPR.
“That side is nothing new, but she’s the first professional comedian in the family.
“I could get her in to do the team-talks, but she’d make us all laugh and we need to focus, especially on a match-day.”
It is a serious campaign for the Ammers, who are determined to enjoy a much better year. Last season was a write-off because of serious injuries to key players such as Surawa Bojang and Daniel Freeman. Hughes has high hopes.
“I’ve got belief in us and I would be disappointed if we did not gain automatic promotion,” he said.
“I don’t see any reason why not? Every team is starting on zero. Seeing the players and the results and how we have played, I don’t see why we can’t do well.
“We have made some good signings so I’ll be disappointed if we don’t do well.”
Hughes combines his new-found management role with an important job of being the Ammers’ main striker.
He’s loving the double-role and he added: “I’m new to the role and while there have been some hurdles, I have some great lads here so it has been easy because they respect me as a player and coach.
“We’re working well as a three. We literally talk every day. Until you do the role, you don’t realise how much you think about football and teams. I’m really enjoying the role.
“I didn’t plan on doing it at this stage in my career, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. The club gave me the chance and I want to repay them.
“I thought it may be a struggle to do both roles, but we have a few support coaches who help us on match-day. That’s why it has been an easy transition, but we’ll how the season goes.”