Toolstation NCEL Division One
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
Ian Richards says there will be only two more additions at most to his Penistone Church squad after a productive summer delve into the transfer market.
Richards, rated as the best young manager in the NCEL, has won even more plaudits by recruiting AFC Emley trio Tom Brennan, Jordan Coduri and Kieran Ryan, along with Nathan Keightley (Glasshoughton Welfare) and Oliver Beaumont (Hallam).
Jay Carney and an un-named player could complete their summer transfer dealings, but Richards, who said in May that he wanted local lads, is satisfied with his lot at the moment.
“I’m really pleased with the signings,” Richards told Non League Yorkshire.
“They all did really well tonight, Nathan (Keightley), Kieran (Ryan), Tom (Brennan), Jordan (Coduri) and Oliver (Beaumount). Jay Carney came in as well and he’s deciding whether we’re the right club for him or not.
“We’re definitely interested in signing him and there could be potentially one more before the start of the season. But if there’s not, I’m very happy with we have got.
“We have a strong squad of 20/21 so I’m happy.
“We had some interest from people in the summer, but when we identified the three lads from Emley plus Oliver and Nath, along with Jay, I was very happy.
“There was no real point in chasing or approaching anyone else because the nucleus of the squad from last season apart from two have stayed.”
Penistone’s pre-season schedule began with the 2-0 victory over neighbours Worsbrough Bridge and Richards added: “It is a pleasing start to pre-season and the 2017/18 season,” he added.
“We’ve have excellent training sessions and it was nice to win both halves against Worsbrough and keep a clean sheet.”