Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town
Garforth Town finally stabilised themselves last season after a period of struggles on-the-pitch following the much-publicised events that took place during the 2015/16 campaign. Although silent assassin Mark Simpson has left, Garforth must be hopeful of more progression.
Who’s the Boss
Rob Hunter
Rob Hunter has successfully stabilised Garforth Town on the pitch
Former Glasshoughton Welfare boss Hunter has been in charge of Garforth since May 2016. He has continued previous boss Adrian Costello’s rebuilding work and he has done very well to stabilise the club on-the-pitch.
Opening Five Fixtures
Sunderland RCA (A) – Emirates FA Cup, Albion Sports (A), Clipstone (H), Penistone Church (H), Hemsworth Miners Welfare (H).
Player Movement
Regan Fish on the attack for Garforth
In: Dan Coupland (ex-Harrogate Railway), Regan Fish (Sherburn White Rose), Ollie Maude (Glasshoughton Welfare), Kris Robertshaw (Carlton Athletic), Brett Smith (Sherburn White Rose), Calum Ward (Selby Town), Jack Lazenby.
The silent assassin: Record-breaking Garforth striker Mark Simpson has joined Frickley
Out: Mark Simpson (Frickley Athletic)
One to Watch
Captain Marvel James Beaston is the heartbeat of Garforth Town
How do you describe James Beaston? Talismanic, inspirational, the list goes on. He is the heartbeat of the team. You get a minimum of 7/10 from him every week. A top player, who can play in several different positions. He is a magnificent captain for Garforth Town.
Interview
Garforth Town manager Rob Hunter
Retaining almost every player from last season has given Rob Hunter a sense of belief that Garforth Town can really push on this year.
Only record-breaking striker Mark Simpson (Frickley Athletic) has left the club and Hunter believes because his side has been together for a while, it means Garforth can prosper.
“The aspirations are to do better than we did last year,” Hunter told Non League Yorkshire.
“If we had a couple of decent results at the backend of last season, we would have finished around the tenth or eleventh mark.
“I believe we can have a better start to the season this time and I also think we will be a lot more consistent than we were.
“That means I’m targeting to finish in the top eight.
“We have the spine of the team in place to get off to a good start. There’s Luke McCrum, Ryan Donoghue, Paul Hagreen, James Beaston, Dan Coupland, Mitch Hamilton and Calum Ward and that’s a great spine.
“They give us a strong solid spine and that stands us in good stead for the season. Last year at this stage I still had 30 players so with a week to go before the season started, I didn’t know my side and no-one each other.
“We will be a well-organised team who has strong discipline and we’ll be more consistent than what we were last season.”
Hunter has had to re-shape his management team this summer as Mark Greaves has took charge of Beeston St Anthony’s and Andy Sunley moved to America in April.
His old Glasshoughton assistant Mark Smitheringale has joined from Knaresborough Town, while Non League legend Ian Blackstone has been coaxed out of the wilderness to become coach.
“I thought Mark Greaves and Andy Sunley did a fantastic job with us last season,” Hunter said.
“Ian Blackstone and Mark Smitheringale can only improve us and they’re doing a fantastic job.”
First up for Garforth is the very difficult Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Sunderland RCA.
“They finished ninth or tenth in the league last year so it will be very tough,” Hunter said.
“I looked at some of the results they had last year and they beat some of the strong sides – including three of the top four.
“I think the only positive thing I can say is that we’re not expected to win the game. Anything we get is a bonus.
“I also have a spy in the camp as my mate Paul Marshall took his Pickering team up there last week. I’ve got a full report off him.”
Prediction
Mid-Table