Stansfield is NLY manager of the year

Knaresborough Town boss Paul Stansfield is Non League Yorkshire’s 2017/18 manager of the year

Knaresborough Town chief Paul Stansfield is Non League Yorkshire’s 2017/18 manager of the year.

Stansfield won the annual vote, sponsored by NLY Community Sport, following in the footsteps of Paul Quinn, Wayne Benn (2) and Grant Black.

Stansfield’s Knaresborough cantered to the Toolstation NCEL Division One title with an impressive record, in terms of wins and the few number of goals conceded. He is a deserving winner.

In second place was an equally impressive manager in Pontefract Collieries boss Craig Parry, who successfully guided his club to back-to-back promotions – and into the Evo Stik League for the first time in the club’s history.

Christian Fox, the highly-rated Selby Town manager, finished third. Fox has transformed Selby’s fortunes on-and-off-the-pitch with crowds are up as Fox has developed a winning culture. Alongside capturing seventh place – their best finish for a few years – Fox also led the club to their first West Riding County Cup final since 1993.

Thanks to everyone who voted.

NLY Community Sport delivers sports coaching sessions to people with disabilities and learning difficulties. The organisation is run by James Grayson and Connor Rollinson, who are both very passionate about providing sporting opportunities for adults and children who suffer from mental health issues or have complex disabilities.