Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Penistone Church
Penistone are in the Premier Division for the first time ever and it is safe to say that they are enjoying the ride that the Richards brothers are taking them on. They have made some great signings so they should be an excellent addition to the Division.
Who’s the Boss
Ian Richards
The only way is up: Ian Richards has taken Penistone Church from the depths of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League and up into the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Richards, the most highly-rated young manager in the NCEL, pulled off the ‘impossible’ last season by guiding Church to promotion through the play-offs and then to a League Cup final triumph over Bridlington Town at Bramall Lane.
He has been in charge at Penistone since 2010 and has overseen their rise from the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League.
Opening Five Fixtures
Charnock Richard (A) – Emirates FA Cup, Rainworth Miners Welfare (H), Athersley Rec (A), Garforth Town (H), Thackley (H).
Player Movement
In: Tom Brennan (AFC Emley), Kieran Ryan (AFC Emley), Jordan Coduri (AFC Emley), Nathan Keightley (Glasshoughton Welfare), Oliver Beaumont (Hallam).
Out: John Whitehead (AFC Emley), Lewis Dickinson (AFC Emley), Danny Joynes (Worsbrough Bridge),
One to Watch
Jordan Coduri
Penistone Church’s stellar summer signing Jordan Coduri
The twinkle-toed magician is Penistone’s headline summer signing. He should easily acclimatise to Premier Division football.
Interview
Penistone Church boss Ian Richards is rated as the best young manager in the NCEL
Talented Penistone Church manager Ian Richards has high hopes for his side as history beckons in the next week.
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Charnock Richard is first up before their historic Premier Division game next Wednesday – against Rainworth Miners Welfare.
That’s when Richards will begin to implement his plan to surprise a few.
“The aspirations are a bit like when we came into the NCEL three seasons ago, it is to get into that top ten,” Richards told Non League Yorkshire.
“We want to try and have a run in one of the National competitions. Then we want to try and retain the League Cup.
“I think on our day in a cup game, we can beat anyone.
“The league is going to be tough again, but if we can get in that top ten, it would be a pleasing season.
“I think it is achievable. A lot of clubs will be thinking the same right now. I’m confident because we know what we are about.
“All the lads from last season know what we are about and the lads who have come in are hungry to prove themselves in the Premier Division.
“I don’t see why we can’t get in and amongst it.”
Richards is hoping Church can progress in the FA Cup because so far a win has eluded them in the competition.
“Charnock Richard went up from Division One so they are a similar side to us,” he said.
“It will be tough, but it would be nice to get a win as we have yet to win in the FA Cup.
“We did well in the FA Vase last year, but its our third season in the FA Cup and it is the one negative for me as a manager that we haven’t won in it yet.
“It would be nice to tick that one off.”
Prediction
Top Eight