James Grayson presents Hemsworth boss Wayne Benn with the 2015/16 Non League Yorkshire manager of the year silver salver
There will be a new winner in our annual Non League Yorkshire manager of the year vote.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare boss Wayne Benn has won the previous two, while Paul Quinn, who stood down from Brighouse Town a few days, scooped the inaugural trophy.
Nine managers have been chosen for the shortlist, all worthy winners.
Nearly 1000 votes were cast last year so it is likely that the 2017 vote will be a close-run contest.
Voting will close on Friday 5th May at 11.59pm.
Here are the chosen nine candidates
Grant Black (Ossett Town)
Ossett Town manager Grant Black
Black, the most exciting young manager in the Evo Stik, is one of the favourites having taken Ossett Town to the play-off final, against all the odds. Fourteen months ago, Black took over an Ossett side which was in complete disarray and heading for the NCEL. The turnaround has been unbelievable.
Craig Elliott (Shaw Lane AFC)
Shaw Lane AFC manager Craig Elliott has now won four promotions as a manager
Elliott guided Shaw Lane to the Evo Stik Division One South title and the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup. He has proven himself to be the best manager in Yorkshire, outside of the National League, once again. He deserves huge credit for keeping his side focused following the devastating loss of Dan Wilkinson.
Chris Hilton (Stocksbridge Park Steels)
Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Chris Hilton
Hilton oversaw his Stocksbridge’s successful bid for a play-offs place and their run to the FA Trophy first round.
Paul Marshall (Pickering Town)
Pickering Town manager Paul Marshall
Experienced Marshall surprised many by leading Pickering to a second place finish, a phenomenal achievement.
Craig Parry (Pontefract Collieries)
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
Pontefract bounced back to the NCEL top flight after one season out thanks to the expert guidance of Parry and his assistants Craig Rouse and Luke Jeffs.
Neil Parsley & John Deacey (Farsley Celtic)
Farsley Celtic joint manager Neil Parsley
Farsley Celtic joint manager John Deacey
Farsley’s first campaign under the joint management of Parsley and Deacey ended with promotion following the play-off final win over Ossett Town.
Chris Reape / Paul Clayton (Thackley)
Thackley’s Paul Clayton (left) and Chris Reape (right)
Both Reape and Clayton have done magnificently well to lead Thackley to their best ever points tally. The partnership has worked superbly as Clayton had to take temporary charge when Reape missed a number of games earlier in the season because he had to have a major operation.
Dave Ricardo (Hall Road Rangers)
Hall Road Rangers manager Dave Ricardo
Sacked from Selby Town in February last year, Ricardo had time out in the wilderness, but he has bounced back and proved himself as the best in the league by guiding Rangers to the Division One title.
Ian Richards (Penistone Church)
The only way is up: Ian Richards has taken Penistone Church from the depths of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League and up into the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
The best young manager in the NCEL has stunned many by leading his hometown team to the Premier Division, along with the League Cup final. His achievements make him a big contender for the award.
As an absolute neutral in all aspects, it has to be Ricardo, just above relegation to champions is a great feat in such a short time, great achievement.
It has to be Ian Richards a great achievement on one of the smallest budgets in NCEL losing his main striker Dale Kelly and top defender Tom Cadzow before Christmas makes it all the more remarkable.
There is only one listed that makes the grade and that Ricardo (Hall Road Rangers) simply outstanding achievement.
got to be craig ‘paz’ parry got ponte collieries from division 1 back to the premier division in 1 season.many managers have to rebuild and takes more than 1 season.
Blackie 1 million %. not pub footy ya know ..
How Graham Nicholas has not made the list Is beyond me, the facts and achievement speaks for itself.
He took over with the team rock bottom with only 1 point from 13 games.
They were 11 points adrift of safety and no one gave them a chance of survival.
22 points out of a possible 27 over the last 2 months of the season beating some of the top teams along the way.
I wouldn’t be surprised if only a couple of managers in the NCEFL (if any) would have the managerial ability to achieve what he has or even put their reputation on the line for a club in the position Parkgate found themselves.
GIVE HIM THE CREDIT HE DESERVES!!!
don’t get rewards for relegations… sorry…didn’t do much for Nostell did he…. relegated eh… oh and forgot not much at ossett town either.
Exactly what Dave Hampshire says above. Outstanding from Ian Richards.