Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Hallam
Hallam are on a crest of a wave following their title triumph last season. Crowds are at unprecedented levels and all eyes are focussed on seeing if they can kick on.
Last Season’s Position 1st (in Division One) promoted
Manager Craig Denton
Rising star Denton joined an exclusive club of managers who have won both NCEL Divisions when he guided Hallam to the Division One title last season. The ex-Worksop Town title-winning boss now leads Hallam into their first season back in the NCEL top flight for the first time since 2011.
Opening Five Fixtures Knaresborough Town (a), Bury AFC (h) – FA Cup, Barton Town (h), North Ferriby (a), Thackley (h).
Notable Transfer Movement Ex-Sheffield Wednesday defender Daniel Pudil is the obvious stand-out arrival. Former Stocksbridge Park Steels striker Scott Ruthven is another addition. Forward Iren Wilson has moved to Liversedge.
One to Watch Liam Royles
Interview
Hallam manager Craig Denton is taking a holistic viewpoint on his club’s ambitions this season.
Denton is not making bold predictions and says it is about his club improving as a whole.
“We need to make sure we recruit right and start right and see where we can finish at the end of the season,” Denton told Non League Yorkshire.
“I know that is a wishy-washy story-line but we need to make sure we keep our feet on the ground and make sure we don’t get carried away.
“We want to make sure we keep our attendances up and keep our community engaged with our football club.
“That’s one of the key priorities.
“We know it is going to be a step-up for the club, they haven’t been (in the Premier Division) for a long time.
“I’m fully aware of what the Prem looks like and the challenges teams face.
“There are some really good sides in there and you look at the recruitment other sides have done; they have done some great recruitment.
“It is no disrespect to Division One, but looking at the Prem and the teams with the infrastructures they have got, it is a really tough league.
“You can list off teams, there is no gimme of a three points.
“Most managers would probably be saying the same.”
“It is going to be a tough league but we’re not focussing on aiming initially for anything.
“It would be lovely to be in and around the top end of the league but we have to make sure we start right in the league and as a club moving forward we have things in place.”
Prediction Top Five