Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Hemsworth Miners Welfare manager Wayne Benn
Wayne Benn has identified the positions where he wants to strengthen in as he looks to make further great strides with Hemsworth Miners Welfare next season.
Benn is on course to guide the Wells to their highest ever finish this season and he is aiming to improve on that in 12 months’ time.
The next year will also see changes to their Yorkshire NuBuilds Stadium – notably a new small stand and a clubhouse extension. Benn believes the developments will make Hemsworth an all-round stronger club.
“With the way things going on off-the-pitch we will be in a stronger position to potentially push and try get out of the Division (in the next couple of years),” Benn told Non League Yorkshire.
“You have to be respectful of this Division. It is so tough. Whoever doesn’t go up remains strong. Teams coming down can be strong. Teams who have not had the best of seasons all of a sudden find a bit of money from somewhere and they come into the equation.
“I’m sure the league will be as difficult next season. I feel we are getting closer to challenging. I thought we would be closer this season.
“I honestly thought with the side I put together that we would be closer. Financially we cannot compete with some teams so we have to do things differently.
“We have always managed to bring good footballers to the club. For me we need three to four players in key areas of the pitch. If I can get them we will have a chance to hopefully be competing at the top of the table.
“But getting them players, when you consider our budget, isn’t easy. We have to sell it differently. We have to show them around the facilities, which are going to improve with the extension to the bar, the two-tier viewing area, plus another stand.
“The club is going in the right direction and in the next couple of years we will be more of a force at this level.”
Hemsworth are sixth following the 5-3 win over Worksop Town last night. The victory keeps the Wells on course for their highest finish ever – ninth last season – an aim Benn has his heart set on.
“I think it is important that every year you try and improve,” he said.
“We have done nothing but improve since I have been at the football club, culminating in a Division One title and doing great in our first season in the Premier to finish ninth.
“We are on track to beat that. My target is to finish fifth. It is attainable and if we can continue with our League Cup run, we’ll give that a go as well.
“If we can reach a final and finish fifth or sixth that will be a really good season for us.
“I’m overall disappointed with how the season has gone because I still think we should be closer to the top teams in the Division.”
Their fourth consecutive victory was meant with mixed feelings with Benn, who felt his side should have blown Worksop away with a heftier victory.
“I’ve no idea how it finished up 5-3,” he said.
“That game pretty much encapsulates what our season has been like. So many good things have been undermined by moments of sloppiness.
“Without being disrespectful, I think we could have scored ten, 12, 14 goals tonight in terms of the chances we created. Not just half-chances, good chances. We hit the post, had a debatable shout for a penalty.
“Nash has had more chances and the goalkeeper has had a very good night as well. At 5-1 we went off on a tangent. We lost our shape and concentration. That’s all you can say.
“For that game to end up 5-3 is embarrassing. I’m really pleased with the win and what my team has produced, but we spoil it for ourselves.
“If we’re professional at 5-1 and we keep our shape, I’m sure a sixth or seventh goal might have come. Then it is a phenomenal win. I’m not trying to be downbeat because I’m highly delighted with what we have produced. It is just tinged with frustration.”