Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Athersley Rec manager Shane Kelsey has signed six new players this week.
Three – Centre-back Cole Patrick (Pontefract Collieries) and strikers Charlie Clegg (Pontefract Collieries) and Carl Clarkson (Ossett United) – made their debuts in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Sherwood Colliery.
Wakefield AFC’s midfielder Jed Wilkinson, Liversedge’s left back Finn Morgan and Penistone Church’s winger Alfie Broughton sign ahead of the trip to Maltby Main this evening.
Kelsey told Non League Yorkshire: “Big thank you goes to the managers of the clubs they have come from for taking the time to answer the phone to me and with how they understand the need for young players to get out and play competitive men’s football in order for these young lads to develop.
“Thanks also go to them for trusting me and the club with their development.
“It is not the first time these mangers and clubs have allowed players to come to us which to me shows that we must be doing something right or they would not answer the phone in the first place.”
Kelsey has openly said previously he has found it hard to understand why young players prefer to sit on benches and not gain vital regular match experience which Athersley offer.
In the next six, he believes he found lads willing to learn.
“All fit the profile we look for which is young, enthusiastic and eager to learn,” he said.
“More important and pleasing to me is that they all understand and are willing to step up and challenge themselves at this level where many, not all, but most that have moved on from us did not, to me personally, have the stomach for the challenge.
“You hear players when asked, what’s your aim’?
“And many reply ‘to play at the highest level possible’
“But when it’s put there in front of them, they give you every excuse in book not to take up the opportunity and majority end up at a lower level happy In their comfort zone.
“This to me is really disappointing. But that’s the individuals choice.”