Evo Stik South
Frickley Athletic
Frickley are completely new-look on-the-field and in the dugout. New manager Spencer Fearn has had to rebuild the Frickley squad after their relegation, but with the side he has created, hopes should be high.
Who’s In Charge
Spencer Fearn
The former East Stirling owner and Stockport County vice-chairman has taken on his second managerial post in semi-professional football after leaving Maltby Main in May. Fearn did a very good job at all three clubs so Frickley fans have someone they can believe in to deliver success.
Opening Five Fixtures
Newcastle Town (A), Cleethorpes Town (H), Runcorn Town (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Alvechurch (A), Chasetown (H).
Player Movement
In: Ben Wiles (loan-Rotherham United), Gavin Allott (Shaw Lane AFC), Fabian Bailey (Rotherham United), Chris Fairclough (Denaby Main), Jameel Ible (Scarborough Athletic), Nicky Darker (Maltby Main), Jacob Hazel (Scarborough Athletic), Jason Yates (Ossett Town), Richard Patterson (Goole AFC), Josh Nodder (Maltby Main), Tom Dugdale (Brighouse Town), Steve Hopewell (Maltby Main), John Cyrus (Altrincham),
Out: Everyone from last season except Seb Malkowski
One to Watch
Gavin Allott
Gav’s back at Frickley and Evo Stik South defences should be worried.
Interview
Spencer Fearn has warned Frickley Athletic fans that they face a tough battle to finish at the very top end of the table this season.
Pre-season results under Fearn have created a wave of enthusiasm at Westfield Lane – raising hopes of an instant return to the Premier Division.
While he is aiming for glory, Fearn says there are some very strong teams in the Division.
“I think excitement has been created (from the pre-season results),” Fearn told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think at any football club you go to, you’re going to get people who don’t think you’re good enough or don’t rate you.
“It was only a few (before who criticised us before pre-season), but it is our job to prove them wrong. That’s what inspires us.
“The fans have been really complimentary about how we have played in pre-season.
“We can’t ask for more at this stage, but it is all about the league campaign. It is going to be a tough season because it is a tough league.
“Cleethorpes have come into it. Basford are going to be good then you’ve got Peterborough Sports who have won back-to-back promotions. They’re going to be strong.
“There is no easy games. Stocksbridge are going to be strong again.
“There’ll be surprise teams as well. With the quality we have, we should be there or there abouts.
“But you need things to fall in your favour like players staying clear of injury.
“There’s enormous positivity around the club, and while it is never nice to get relegated, it has given the club a fresh start around the Football Club on-and-off-the-pitch.”
Prediction
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