Evo Stik Division One North
The league’s new-boys make history when they play Hyde United on the opening day. The fast-growing club have gone from the bottom of the Toolstation NCEL Division One table to the Evo Stik in the space of less than ten years and their desire to go even higher remains strong.
Manager
Billy Miller
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division title-winning manager is back in the Evo Stik. Miller was previously at the helm of Harrogate Railway, where he enjoyed three enjoyable seasons. He has held the top job at Liversedge. Miller is assisted by former Leeds United defender Matt Heath and Richard Lawrence.
Opening Five Fixtures
Hyde United (A), Ossett Albion (H), Scarborough Athletic (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Mossley (A), Farsley Celtic (H)
Player Movement
In: Steven Jeff (Frickley Athletic), Rob Youhill (Harrogate Railway), Dan Thirkell (Harrogate Railway), Liam Shepherd (Pickering Town), Charlie Binns, Lewis Morgan (Albion Sports), Fatlum Ibrahimi (Knaresborough Town), Russ Parker, Michael Ingham (York City),
Out: Jordan Armstrong (Padiham), Gary Stevens (AFC Emley), Carl Stewart (Scarborough Athletic), Nick Black, Liam Ormsby (Scarborough Athletic), George Conway, Dan Clayton (Thackley),
One to Watch
Josh Greening
Prediction
Top Half (possible push for the play-offs)
Interview
Billy Miller expects Tadcaster Albion to be a strong Division One North side.
The former Harrogate Railway manager returns to the league after a season away – a Division he is very familiar with.
“Budget-wise we should have a competitive budget,” Miller told Non League Yorkshire.
“Some of the big-hitters have gone out of it such as Warrington and Spennymoor. Northwich have obviously gone into the South.
“I think the league is as open as it has ever been, but you have to be realistic about it.
“It took Warrington nearly five years to get out of the league. To realistically think we are just going to go in and fly through the leagues would be a bit optimistic.
“But, with this league you never know because you can still lose 12 games in a season and still finish in the top five.
“We will see how it pans out.
“I’m not stepping into the unknown. I know what to expect. We have a good squad of players who have all played at a decent level so we’re not fearing anything.”