Toolstation NCEL Division One
Nostell Miners Welfare manager Des Hazel
Des Hazel admits his competitive debut in the Nostell Miners Welfare dugout made him realise how much he had missed the cut and thrust of management.
The former Rotherham United defender made his NCEL bow in the 2-1 defeat at Knaresborough Town last Saturday.
Hazel has spent the last few years scouting since leaving his role as head of youth development at FC Halifax Town.
“When I have been working at Manchester City I’ve looked at players at various levels,” Hazel told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think what I have missed over the last couple of seasons the competitive edge of a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening when three points are on offer.
“You want to be competitive and pit your wits against other coaches so I have missed it.
“I had some time out (after leaving Halifax) and I looked at different training methods, different players.
“Scouting can be lonely, but you do learn a lot like how to get the best out of people and you speak to more people than you realise.”
Nostell were fortunate to escape from Knaresborough with only a 2-1 defeat as for once they enjoyed a lot of luck as the home side lost their shooting boots after scoring their second goal.
Nostell then showed great spirit to pull a goal back and stay in the contest right to the final whistle.
Hazel was heartened by the display and hopes it is a sign of good things to come.
He also confirmed that defender Harry Croft will be in the squad for the trip to Yorkshire Amateur tomorrow. Croft was suspended for the Knaresborough clash.
“I would say that Harry Croft will be definitely coming back in,” he said.
“There’s a few positions which we need to look at and see if we can find players for.
“But the lads who played at Knaresborough gave a good account of themselves. Who knows in the next few weeks results may change and I do think that if we cut the fundamental errors out, we’re in with a chance.
“I don’t expect us to be the whipping boys. I expect us to be competitive in every game.
“The message from us is that we’re not going to turn up and lay down and ‘say play the game’.
“I think we are going to compete and give teams a good game.”