Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Thackley
Thackley have raised eyebrows with their recruitment and many expect them to have a good season.
Last Season’s Position 15th
Manager Paddy McGuire
The skilful midfielder has held the reins for four years and he still plays a bit as well!
Opening Five Fixtures Golcar United (h), Ramsbottom United (h) – FA Cup, Emley AFC (a), Albion Sports (h), Hallam (a).
Notable Transfer Movement Aiden Chippendale, Tom Greaves and Ste Crawford are just three of the summer captures.
One to Watch Luke Wilson
Interview
Paddy McGuire says he will be ruthless at Thackley as he bids to drastically improve on last season’s 15th place finish.
McGuire was unhappy with how his side’s campaign finished as Thackley had flirted with the top end of the table at various stages.
He has led a recruitment drive this summer and he is determined to do well.
“There was a massive element of disappointment (over last season),” McGuire told Non League Yorkshire.
“Literally no-one is safe this year because in my eyes we had a lot of good opportunities to be not just a top ten side, but a top six side.
“In every crunch game we bottled it.
“Whether that was because of strength of character, I don’t know?
“We certainly have now and because we were never in any danger of relegation too many people got comfortable and the season fizzled out when we had an opportunity to kick on and finish in the top ten.
“We were one of the sides who slipped away which was very frustrating for me which is why we have brought in the bodies to shake things up.
“We’re looking for progress as always.
“I’m not saying we are going to be up there but we are going to do our best and give it a real good go.
“We have a great bunch of lads and if we can get off a good start and get on a run then who knows?”
Prediction Top Half