Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Athersley Rec
It has been a summer of change at Athersley Rec. Sean Margison has stepped down, paving the way for his assistant Wayne Thompson to take charge during a season which will see local rivals Shaw Lane AFC ground-share with the Rec. The loss of Kai Hancock is a big one, but if the Rec approach each game in the same professional manner they did last season then they should be able to cope.
Who’s the Boss
Wayne Thompson
New Athersley Rec manager Wayne Thompson (left)
The former Hallam, Retford United and Worsbrough Bridge coach was the assistant to Sean Margison last season. He took charge in late June when Margison resigned. His assistant is Nev Hunt.
Opening Five Fixtures
West Didsbury & Chorlton (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Harrogate Railway (A), Penistone Church (H), Barton Town (H), Liversedge (A).
Player Movement
New Athersley Rec defender Kieran Thompson
In: Jason Paling (AFC Mansfield), Austin Macintosh (Clipstone), (Luke Walker Clipstone), Keiran Thompson (Worsbrough Bridge / Ossett Albion), Dan Vinten (New Mills), Alex Mosley (Dronfield Town), Spenser Sheppard (Barnsley).
Athersley’s departed star Kai Hancock in battle with Garforth’s Ryan Donoghue last season
Out: Kai Hancock (Ossett Town), Liam Owen (Ossett Town), Kieran Scargill (Ossett Albion), Sam Bebbington (Rainworth MW).
One to Watch
Ryan White
Rec stalwart Pete Goodlad presented Athersley captain Ryan White with a number of gifts to commemorate more than 1000 games for the club in March
The evergreen White continues to lead Athersley and despite his advancing years, he’s bound to play an important role for them again.
Prediction
Mid-Table