The new Toolstation NCEL season starts on Saturday. Armthorpe Welfare kick off Non League Yorkshire’s comprehensive season previews for our Yorkshire clubs.
Toolstation NCEL Division One
Armthorpe Welfare
Armthorpe Welfare suffered their first ever relegation last season. But helped by the construction of a tea-bar and bar area and an enthusiastic squad of players, Armthorpe appear to be re-energised on-and-off-the-field..
Who’s the Boss
Mike Carmody
Armthorpe Welfare manager Mike Carmody
The former Armthore player and Selby Town coach is getting involved in all areas of the club. Because of his trade, Carmody led the construction of the lounge area. He has also steadily rebuilt the side since taking charge last September.
Opening Five Fixtures
Liversedge (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Eccleshill United (H), FC Bolsover (A), Yorkshire Amateur (H), Knaresborough Town (H).
Player Movement
In: Will Ramsay (Selby Town), Dave Bramley, Wayne Brook (Selby Town), Ben Silburn (Winterton Rangers), Josh Dodd (Ollerton Town), Josh Bowkett (Ollerton Town), Josh O’Neill (Selby Town).
Out: Jack Bonser, Micky Collins, Jason Kearsley, Reuben Pearse.
One to Watch
Gary Collier
Armthorpe striker Gary Collier (left), pictured playing for Knaresborough,
The experienced striker hit good form in pre-season with the visit to Selby Town the highlight. Collier is sure to terrorise defences this year.
Interview
Armthorpe Welfare manager Mike Carmody with Will Ramsay, Josh Bowkett, Josh O’Neill, Mike Carmody, Wayne Brook and Josh Dodd
Having a stable campaign is the priority for Armthorpe Welfare manager Mike Carmody.
Armthorpe are in Division One following their relegation last season and Carmody is not making any rash promises as to how his side will do in the league.
“First and foremost stability at the club is key, we have to get on even ground,” Carmody told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think we have done that over the course of the summer. The club as a whole has made tremendous strides on-and-off-the-field.
“It is about getting settled squads week-in-week-out and going from there. I don’t want to make any silly predictions.
“I’d like to think we’ll be able to compete though.”
Armthorpe certainly have made “tremendous strides” off-the-field as there is a new lounge and tea-bar area inside their ground.
Carmody led the construction work and he admits there is many advantages to the new area. Previously Armthorpe used the pub across the road for their after match hospitality.
“The lounge area is massive for the club,” he said.
“Getting the bar and refreshments facilities done is great. There’s the financial element because its created a new revenue stream.
“Also the boys can all sit together after a game and it is a community club now. We’re starting to see that through the gate now.
“Because we used the pub across the road, there were times when players would leave straightaway without going for food.”
Armthorpe kick off the season with the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at home to Liversedge.
“Liversedge will be a strong side again this year so it will be a good test for us,” he said.
“Armthorpe have a good affinity with the FA Cup. They beat AFC Liverpool a couple of years so it would be nice to go on a run this year.”
Prediction
Mid-Table