Toolstation NCEL Division One
Nostell Miners Welfare manager Chris Ellerby
Chris Ellerby believes basement side Nostell Miners Welfare are close to making a major breakthrough in their form.
The new Nostell chief is picking up the pieces from a disastrous start to the season which has seen them win just one league game.
But Ellerby has seen enough from the last two games – the 4-1 defeat to Brigg and 3-2 loss at Yorkshire Amateur – to be hopeful of a turnaround very soon.
“Saturday didn’t reflect the game, Tuesday night didn’t reflect the game,” said Ellerby, who replaced former Garforth Town and Ossett Town boss Graham Nicholas two weeks ago.
“Look, we’re in this position because of the way we started the season and we have to pick this group of lads up.
“We’re getting closer game-by-game. When it clicks, it will be good and we’ll start pulling out of trouble.
“We have some class in the club already and the group is good. There’s no egos, there’s back-stabbing, it is just a case of the lads being down after Tuesday.
“As (chairman) Kevin (Allsop) said before I got the job that there was togetherness and we have brought the right lads in since.
“We have brought in lads who are hungry to play at this standard and want to play for Nostell Miners Welfare.
“We need lads who are committed to the shirt and the badge and want to pull us out of trouble.”
Ellerby also reserved praise for Nostell chairman Kev Allsop and the volunteers at the club.
“The chairman has been brilliant with me and there are some great lads at the club,” he said.
“(Assistant manager) Scott (Atkinson) has been great with me. Pete Owens, our physio, has been great.
“I would say me and Kevin speak once a day about different things and we have a similar mindset. For me, he’s a great chairman to work with.
“We’re open and honest with each other.”
Former Halifax Irish boss Ellerby has made eight signings since taking charge at the Crofton Community Centre. Antony Brown, Jonny Irving, Billy Grogan, Tim Wallace, Connah Judson, Eddy Busfield, Leon Hurles-Brook and Brad Wilkinson have made the move.
And there are a few more to come.
“I’d say that I hope to announce three new players in the next few days,” he said.
“That will be probably be it unless we pick up any injuries and should any lads leave.
“The three I am looking at should give us that bit extra. Fingers crossed we can get them done.”
Nostell travel to Winterton Rangers tomorrow.