Toolstation NCEL Division One
Campion
Campion are the new kids on the block. The Bradford-based side arrive out of the West Riding County Amateur League after gaining the necessary ground grading last season.
Manager
James Bicknell
Bicknell was the manager of now defunct successful Bradford Sunday side Buttershaw White Star before joining Campion a few years ago, initially as the assistant manager. The club have gone from strength to strength under his guidance. He is joined in the dugout by player/assistant manager Dan Brown, Andy Shepard and Hayden Lobley.
Opening Five Fixtures
Westella (A), Selby Town (A), Glasshoughton Welfare (H), Shirebrook Town (H), Winterton Rangers.
One to Watch
Eli Hey
Campion won the battle to sign Halifax Irish striker Eli Hey
The striker was a wanted man during the summer and Campion have done well to fight off competition from established NCEL clubs for his signature. His big haul for Halifax Irish last season brought him to people’s attentions.
Prediction
Mid-Table
Interview
James Bicknell
Even James Bicknell is amazed how far Campion have come in the past 12 months.
Campion make history tomorrow when they make their NCEL debut at Westella & Willerby.
The Bradford-based side got into the league at the first attempt after applying last year and Bicknell admits that everyone at his club deserve a lot of credit.
“There has been a lot of hard work in the last year,” Bicknell told Non League Yorkshire.
“When I first came to Campion we spoke about going up to the NCEL. We always talked about it, but never did anything and then last year we got our act together.
“Before we spoke to the NCEL I thought it would take a bit longer to get in because we didn’t realise how close we were in terms of our ground. We should be really proud of how quickly we have got there.
“We’re going to be constantly improving the ground. We’ve got seats to go in and we want to take the main stand right to the far end. We’re going to do it gradually. I also think we have one of the best clubhouses around.
“We want to be a welcoming club and we want people to come and enjoy the experience.”
Campion arrive out of the West Riding County Amateur League and Bicknell is well-aware that his club have made a big step-up.
He added: “It is a massive jump. The lads (at NCEL level) are a lot fitter. There is a lot more commitment because you have to ask a lot more of your lads.
“The lads know what it is like at this level such as travelling and everyone is quite keen and looking forward to it.
“We’re giving all the lads from last season a chance. In previous years we have had clubs from higher leagues come and take our best players. What you’d like to think now is that they can’t take your best players because we can offer players the same level of football.
“It is going to be a tough year. I’m sure there’ll be a few ups and a few downs.”