Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Division One
Garforth Town
Garforth Town were one of last season’s surprise packages with their third place finish and League Cup Final appearance. The task of replicating those achievements appear difficult.
Last Season’s Position 3rd
Manager Paul Marshall
Marshall is the most experienced manager in the NCEL having managed over 1000 games since 1997 when he took charge at Harrogate Town. Three promotions and an FA Cup second round appearance during his spells with Tadcaster Albion, Harrogate Railway, Goole AFC and Pickering Town later, Marshall is hoping to add further chapters to his memorable career.
Opening Five Fixtures Hemsworth Miners Welfare (h), Pontefract Collieries (h) – FA Cup, Frickley Athletic (a), Yorkshire Amateur (h), Winterton Rangers (a).
Notable Transfer Movement Paul Marshall has maintained his policy of signing hidden gems and there’s a few who have arrived. His former Tadcaster Albion and Pickering Town captain Nick Thompson is a notable new face.
One to Watch James Burgess
Interview
Paul Marshall says Garforth Town have to be realistic about their expectations this season.
Garforth enjoyed their best season for years last season but Marshall says the Division’s dramatically changed landscape makes life difficult.
“We’ll be lucky to finish in the top eight this year,” Marshall told Non League Yorkshire.
“I say it because all these teams coming into our league have £100s of pounds more than I have to pay players.
“Last season the league was very competitive because everyone was very similar but you have some big hitters coming into our league this year and they’re all expected to do well.
“We have spoken about it and we know we can’t go out and get players for £200 like other clubs can do.
“I’d be over the moon (if we replicate last season).
“Finishing third last year was a massive statement by the club but it will be difficult to replicate it this year.”
Their success brought attendances not seen at Garforth since the Simon Clifford era and Marshall hopes the growth spurt continues.
“You look at the crowds in pre-season,” he said.
“When have Garforth ever got 200 for a pre-season friendly.
“We averaged over 200 last season and that’s the first time they have done it for years and years.
“That was a massive positive.
“If we want to get bigger budgets we need bigger crowds.
“Brian and Craig have stabilised the club brilliantly and if we want to kick on we have to get bigger crowds, more sponsors in and more match-day volunteers.
“That’s a key thing, if we want 200+ accommodated safely and entertained then we need more volunteers.”
Prediction Top Half