Young, but experienced NCEL stopper Aiden Tyas has bolstered Shane Kelsey’s goalkeeping options after rejoining Athersley Rec.
Local boy Tyas played for Athersley three years and has since turned into a reliable goalkeeper with a penchant for making spectacular saves during his spells with Worsbrough Bridge, Parkgate and Nostell Miners Welfare.
Kelsey now has three goalkeepers at his disposal in Tyas, Ben Woodcock and Charlie Farrar.
Tyas is returning from injury as he injured his cruciate at the start of last season.
“Aiden has come in pre season and totally surprised me,” Kelsey said.
“I never anticipated him to look has fit has he does having been out for so long with such an injury. Its testament to his mental strength and determination that he has got himself to this position at this stage and I only see him going from strength to strength.
“Again he fits the profile of what we want here which is young, local, and motivated by playing games and I can’t wait to see how far he and the other ‘keepers can push each other between now and the start of the season, whenever that maybe.
“I have gone from a big panic in wondering how I would find a ‘keeper with the attributes and attitude needed at this level, to finding myself in the very fortune position of having excellent competition for the gloves, which is absolutely vital for development.
“The ‘keepers know exactly what I expect of them between now and the start of the season. The most pleasing and refreshing thing for me is, for three young lads, they have taken up the challenge in a mature fashion that you don’t often see from lads of such an age.”