On the eve of the new Toolstation NCEL Division One season, AFC Emley boss Darren Hepworth says there should be play-offs in Division One
To see the whole album of photos from AFC Emley’s 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town under 21s, click HERE
Darren Hepworth believes there is a case for the introduction of play-offs in Toolstation NCEL Division One as his AFC Emley side prepare to start their season tomorrow.
Emley finished their pre-season campaign last night with a 2-0 defeat to a strong Huddersfield Town under 21s side in front of a bumper crowd at the Welfare Ground.
Emley now travel to Grimsby Borough for the opening fixture of what is set to be another competitive Division One campaign.
Up to eight teams were involved in the promotion race last season and Hepworth is firmly behind in support of a revolutionary change in the Division.
“It’s hard to say how teams will be involved (in the promotion race),” he told Non League Yorkshire.
“There is a strong argument for play-offs and I know they have been talking about that in the Prem.
“I’m a strong advocate of play-offs in our Division.
“Right up from Christmas to end of the season, you realistically had 12 sides who had a chance (to go up) last season.
“There’s an argument for a play-offs system from third to sixth place and I think it is something the league should consider.
“At this level, it would be keep everyone interested and certainly draw supporters in and you would see the benefit throughout our level.
“I’ve read a few comments from some of the Premier managers and they have a similar point. It is a tough ask being just one place.
“It would definitely freshen things up and give an exciting perspective to it.”
He may be classed as a veteran now, but AFC Emley captain Paul Sykes still does not shirk a tackle
Despite enjoying three memorable seasons in charge, Hepworth has been unable to guide Emley to higher than seventh.
Emley have finished tenth, seventh and most recently eighth in his full campaigns at the helm and the Welfare Ground chief claims his crop of 2014 give them their best chance yet to win promotion.
“We say it every season, but the aim has to be promotion,” he added.
“I’ve been in the job for four years and we need to get out of this Division.
“It is a tough Division though.
“On occasions we have probably flattered to deceive, but this year and I’m not going to get too carried away, we certainly have the best squad of the players.
“That’s saying something because we had some real talent over the years.
“The momentum is there. We only lost twice in our last 21 games and we have improved in all aspects of our game.
“The players actually believe in what we’re doing, that’s the difference and we carried that into pre-season.
“This year in terms of the preparation, the training sessions, the friendlies, how hard the players have worked, we couldn’t have prepared better.”
The referee at Grimsby will be Thomas Bishop from Lincolnshire.
Match Photos:
AFC Emley captain Paul Sykes is beaten in the air
AFC Emley goalkeeper Adam Lawlor competes for the ball
AFC Emley goalkeeper Adam Lawlor is unable to save Huddersfield Town’s first minute penalty
AFC Emley’s Max Leonard wins with the battle with his former Huddersfield Town colleagues