Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Division One
Worsbrough Bridge
Worsbrough Bridge were one of the surprise packages last season as their young and vibrant side enjoyed a solid campaign. Now a year older, Forgione is looking for them to push on.
Last Season’s Position 9th
Manager Luke Forgione
Forgione is entering his second full campaign at the helm of his beloved club who he served as a player.
Opening Five Fixtures Swallownest (a), Armthorpe Welfare (h), Retford FC (a), Brigg Town (h), Nostell Miners Welfare (h).
Notable Transfer Movement Forgione has kept hold of the majority of his squad from last season and added experience such as Luke Danville and young talent in Juninho Blake. Left-back Chris Simpkins is an established NCEL name who has signed.
One to Watch Luke Danville
Interview
Luke Forgione steered Worsbrough Bridge onto an upward curve during his first full campaign and now he wants to see them keep climbing.
Worsbrough were more than competitive from start to finish and eventually ended the season in ninth.
Forgione has his sights set on raising the bar.
“We want to improve on last year,” Forgione told Non League Yorkshire.
“You have to do that so I think a disappointment would be finishing below ninth.
“We’re looking to kick on and we’ve set our targets.
“We want to be up there and we want to stride to reach a little bit higher this year and flirt with the play-offs if we can.
“That would be a big ask as there’s some good sides in the league.
“For us to be even discussing these things…(play-offs) is not something Worsbrough normally discusses.”
Worsbrough’s side last season was dominated by young players who were playing regular first team football in the NCEL for the first time.
Now a year older, Forgione admits it brings new tests for his young guns.
“A lot of the lads have played at this level now for a year,” he said.
“When they came into the league last year a lot of them were unknown and they will have more respect this year.
“I am not saying people didn’t respect them but once you’ve had a successful season people get to know you.
“You need to try and maintain those levels and standards and also possibly change your game as well.
“That’s the challenge as well. Can the lads adapt?
“I’ve got confidence in our squad and I do think we have the ability to have a good season but it is a long process and there’s a lot of different things that can happen between August and May.
“I like to think I know what the league is about having played in it for a number of years and now managing in it.
“I know the different challenges you face throughout the year like different surfaces, injuries, suspensions, transfers.
“We were quite fortunate last year that we didn’t lose a lot of our squad.
“There is a lot of stuff you can’t control.”
Worsbrough head to Swallownest on Saturday for the big kick off and Forgione added: “We didn’t beat them last year.
“We drew at their place and they beat us at our place so it is a difficult game.
“They did a great job last season because it was backs against the wall and they managed to get themselves (out of trouble) through hard work.
“I have respect for Alex (Nightingale) and his staff.
“I know they have recruited well.
“Nothing is won or lost in the first game but it is always nice to win your first game because it gives you confidence and that’s something we managed to do that last year.”
Prediction Mid-Table