Nicholas targets top half finish

Toolstation NCEL Premier Division

Parkgate will be hoping for less turbulent season this year as they fought off relegation with a fine run of form in April. The club has retained most of the players and will be looking to break their unwanted record of finishing 16th or lower in the NCEL Premier in each of the last four years.

Who’s the Boss

Graham Nicholas


Nicholas took charge in October and oversaw their solid end to the season. The PE teacher by trade has previously been the manager at Garforth Town, Ossett Town and Nostell Miners Welfare. He also had a stint as a coach at Athersley Recreation.

Opening Five Fixtures


Barnton Town (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Handsworth Parramore (H), Hall Road Rangers (H), Harrogate Railway (A), AFC Mansfield (A)

Player Movement


In: Charlie Stewart (Stocksbridge Park Steels), Liam Flint (Handsworth Parramore), Aiden Tyas (Worsbrough Bridge).


Out: Joshua Dacre (Pontefract Collieries), Alex Lill (Parkgate), Ashley Emmett (Pontefract Collieries).

One to Watch


Danny Harris

The former Garforth Town winger is a crucial cog in the Parkgate wheel. It is surprising that his performances for Garforth and Parkgate have not earned him a move to an Evo Stik club.

Interview


Graham Nicholas is quietly confident his side can forget about relegation worries this season and instead push for a top ten position.

Parkgate ended last season strongly and with much of the same core of players, Nicholas believes Parkgate can stay out of the relegation battle this year.

“My aspirations for the season are to finish in the top half,” Nicholas told Non League Yorkshire.

“I have managed to retain most of the players which is brilliant.

“We have a fantastic team spirit and togetherness so we will all be working hard to finish in the top half.

“As a club and a squad, we are always looking to improve and achieve more. Not only are we aiming to finish in the top half, but we are hoping for a good run in one of the cup competitions.”

Parkgate have added three players to the squad and the Parkgate boss is happy with his additions.

“I am very pleased with the new signings,” he said. “Aiden Tyas is a very good Goalkeeper; Charlie Stewart looks like he possesses all the right attributes and Liam Flint is a good defender and a good replacement for Joshua Dacre.

“Although they have bonded well with the rest of the squad, they still at times need educating into how I want them to play the game.

“I still believe we are a little short and I am looking to bring in two or three players.”

Nicholas is eager for August 5th to come round with an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against Barnton.

“I think this is a fantastic draw for us,” he said.

“We are at home to a team who have seen a management change and then finish just above the relegation zone in the league. I think it’s a game that we can go into full of confidence and with belief that we can progress in the next round.”

Prediction 

Top Eight