Toolstation NCEL Division One
Pontefract Collieries
After working so hard to get themselves back in the Premier Division after a 16-year absence, it didn’t work out for Pontefract. The Collieries looked like a solid side, but results – related to a long break – deteriorated in the New Year and the poor run did too much damage.
Manager
Craig Parry
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
Parry enters his first full season in charge at Beechnut Lane. The goalkeeper stood back from playing duties last November to take the permanent manager’s position after Nick Handley’s departure. Parry is assisted by Craig Rouse and Luke Jeffs.
Opening Five Fixtures
Runcorn Town (H) – Emirates FA Cup, AFC Emley (A) – LC, Ollerton Town (A), Eccleshill United (H), Westella (H).
Player Movement
In: Dave Hartas, Jordan Turner (Parkgate), Andy Seed (Glasshoughton Welfare), Ben Saynor (Glasshoughton Welfare), Jimmy Williams (Glasshoughton Welfare), Mikey Dunn, Luke Jeffs (AFC Mansfield), Regan Fish (Liversedge), Andrew Davis (Nostell Miners Welfare), Chris Wood (Frickley Athletic), Calum Stapleton,
Out: Chris Kamara, Phil Lindley, Nigel Danby, Liam Corbett, Aaron Moxam, Aaron Joseph (AFC Emley).
One to Watch
Jordan Turner
Pontefract Collieries striker Jordan Turner
Prediction
Promotion candidates
Interview
Craig Parry
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry is looking up
Craig Parry believes stepping down a Division may be beneficial for Pontefract Collieries in the long run.
The Collieries were relegated on the final day of the season after just one season back in the top flight of the NCEL.
Parry wants to aim for promotion straight back up, but says the Colls are improving their infrastructure to make them more prepared if they return to the Premier Division.
“We have set ourselves a target of at least the play-offs and I’m really confident with the signings we have made,” Parry told Non League Yorkshire.
“But every-time we make a signing, a team you wouldn’t expect to make a certain signing, do. There are teams in this league that look to be throwing money at it this year.
“It is about being positive and setting high standards and targets, but we want to go up. We want to have a good go at it. We’ve looked at and we have to take one step back to go two forward.
“Last season was extremely disappointing, but behind the scenes as a club a lot is going on. We prepared to take a step back a month before the season ended so for us, yes it was disappointing, but it is about the long term vision.
“A lot of foundations are being put in place. There’s potentially a new ground. We’re looking at having an education centre. We’re looking at building an academy. We have a new physio and we’re looking to develop the upstairs as a medical room.
“There are a lot of good things which we are trying to put into place so that it is a proper club where players can come enjoy playing in a really good environment.”