Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Chris Gowen is staying with Armthorpe Welfare
Relegated Armthorpe Welfare’s Manager’s Player of the Year, Chris Gowen, and the Players’ Player of the Year, Josh Gibbons, have both committed to remaining with the club for next season.
The pair have agreed to stay, despite the club’s relegation to Division One.
Mike Carmody said: ”Its tremendously positive news that two of our most consistent performers have agreed to be part of a new chapter for the club as we look to assemble a strong squad for the coming season. I know I can always rely on them both to give me all they have for the cause.”
Experienced left back Gowen joined Welfare in October last year from Selby Town with the 34 year old having also previously played for Frickley Athletic (two spells), North Ferriby United, Pickering Town and Barton Town Old Boys.
Gibbons joined from Askern Villa and made 27 League appearances last season as he cemented a place in the centre of the Welfare defence with some commanding displays.
Gowen said” “When I signed for Mick (Carmody) last year my aim was to help him and the club avoid relegation, something which I’d never experienced before. I was hoping we could achieve this then I’d have probably hung my boots up but after the disappointment of last year, I’d hate to bow out on a relegation. I’d imagine this will be my last season, so hopefully we can put the wrongs of last year right. It wouldn’t have felt right walking away.
He added: “Last year was very disappointing for everyone at the club but I know from speaking with Mick that a lot was going on behind the scenes to make the club that bit more professional and it certainly wants to go in the right direction. The problem, as always, is finances and if players want to play, but with the players Mick’s hopeful of getting in, I can’t see any reason why we can’t aim for a play off spot.”