Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Former Leeds United midfielder Simon Walton hopes signing for Garforth Town can be “beneficial” to himself and the Miners.
Walton has his sights set on a quick return to the Football League, but for the next few weeks he’s happy to help Garforth get the new season off to a good start.
Because of his friendship with James Beaston, he has been training and playing with Garforth for the past few weeks.
Although it is a short-term arrangement, it is still an unbelievable coup for Garforth as Walton was playing in League Two for Crawley Town last season.
“I still want to play in the Football League because I’ve played in it last year and the previous 12, but we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks,” Walton told Non League Yorkshire.
“Rob (Hunter) and the lads have been good to me by allowing me to come down to keep my fitness and match sharpness up. Rob has a good set of lads and I think they will do well this year.
“I’ve enjoyed it so far. When I was growing up around these parts I used to come and watch Garforth and Leeds Ladies, when my sister (Sophie) was playing.
“I’m from Garforth originally and if (signing) helps put a few extra faces on the gate so be it. The club has been good to me and hopefully it can be beneficial to the both of us.”
Walton won’t be available for the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Chester Le-Street next week as he does not want to cup-tie himself.
The NCEL League Cup first round match with Grimsby Borough on August 9th August is more likely to be his debut. His league bow could be the trip to Hemsworth Miners Welfare four days later.
Miners manager Rob Hunter has been delighted with Walton’s presence and he added: “He’s been fantastic and he’s blended in straightaway.
“He’s been helping to coach the kids and he’s talking regularly to the younger players and helping them.
“No club has come along at this moment in time. He’s not interested in playing for any Evo Stik or Conference side, he’s looking to get involved at professional level.
“He’s going to play a few games, get his match fitness up and hopefully get back into the professional game.”
Garforth host Warrington Town tomorrow afternoon.