Wayne Benn admits he is really proud of his young Hemsworth Miners Welfare players
Wayne Benn is immensely proud of how his young Hemsworth Miners Welfare players have fought their promotion battle this season.
Hemsworth could still finish third, but the top two looks out of reach following the 2-1 defeat to Pontefract Collieries in midweek.
The loss does not take the shine off a wonderful season for Hemsworth, who have been the surprise package in the Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion race.
With a side full of exciting talent like Nick Guest and Nash Connolly, Benn has galvanised a club to their highest point in their history and the Wells boss has nothing but admiration for his troops.
“When you finish 16th in a Division (last season), the aim is to improve year on year,” he told Non League Yorkshire.
“Our improvement has come at such a rapid rate. It is ridiculous how we done considering where we have come from and improved.
“To have such a young group and take it (the promotion battle) to four games before the end of the season and still be in the mix, is a testament to the players in that dressing room.
“I am so proud of them and proud of the way we play football.
“I’m so proud that we have entertained our fans game after game. We have exceeded everyone’s expectations and I’m absolutely thrilled with everyone.
“The scary thing is that because we are so young, we can only improve. Obviously keeping hold of players is not easy, but that is what we will try to do.
“This experience is going to stand a lot of these players in good stead for the future.
“I’m not saying we’ll go again next year and win it, what I’m saying is that we are a good side.
“We have had enough pats on the back and plaudits from Non League Yorkshire, Nick Handley and Duncan Bray, from Emley, from Penistone, from everyone we have played.
“They are constantly saying we are the best side they have played. We are been recognised as a fantastic young footballing side.”
Benn has not started planning for next season as he is still concentrating on leading the Wells into third spot, if the top two proves to be out of reach.
He does have ideas though and added: “I have thoughts on one or two players I would like to bring in and one or two areas I would like to strengthen.
“It is difficult because we can’t pay people.
“We will put a demanding pre-season schedule together again. We’ll try and take the momentum and confidence from this season into the next one.
“We won’t be a surprise package next season so it becomes harder. Obviously keeping everyone together is going to be difficult.”