Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Knaresborough Town
A new dawn has broken at Manse Lane, former player Simon Parkes is taking the club forward and hoping to enjoy a positive first season in charge.
Last Season’s Position 17th
Manager Simon Parkes
The former Harrogate Railway midfield doorman was Rob Hunter’s assistant last season. Now he’s in the hot-seat and plotting to create a successful future at Manse Lane.
Opening Five Fixtures Hallam (h), North Shields (a) – FA Cup, Eccleshill United (a), Maltby Main (h), Garforth Town (a).
Notable Transfer Movement Parkes has kept hold of last season’s squad and added players such as Glasshoughton Welfare midfielder Carl Robinson.
One to Watch Tom Dugdale
Interview
Simon Parkes is backing Knaresborough Town to spring a surprise or two this season.
Nobody is probably including Knaresborough in their lists for the top ten following a tricky campaign last season.
Parkes feels his men are capable of doing well.
“Aspiration-wise we have to be realistic and understand that it is going to be a very challenging league,” Parkes told Non League Yorkshire.
“You look at the teams who have come up – North Ferriby and Hallam – they are going to be up there.
“It is going to be a tough league, but the players I have got and the performances they have put in during pre-season, there’s no reason why we can’t be that surprise act.
“You get it every year. There’s always a surprise act.
“We’re building a great little changing room and an environment which makes players want to play for the club and they are all buying into what we want to achieve.”
Parkes also admits the opening day home clash with Hallam provides an opportunity to assess where they are at.
“Hallam will be one of the stronger sides in the league,” he said.
“There’s no reason why we can’t get a result on home.
“It would be a benchmark for us and we’ll be going into the game wanting three points.”
The campaign actually opened with a stunning start.
Because of mass injuries, last season turned into a nightmare for Knaresborough Parkes says he is hopeful history won’t strike twice.
“We did have a dream start as we won the first four games on the bounce,” he said.
“We have learnt from our mistakes.
“We were very light on the ground especially defensively.
“Getting those injuries early on which is probably what hurt us.
“I’ve learnt that from last year and I have ensured we have the competition for places and cover as and when we need.”
Prediction Mid-Table