Wombwell Main boss excited for next season

EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division 

Wombwell Main manager Terry Simon

The success of the youth revolution has wetted Wombwell Main manager Terry Simon’s appetite for next season.

Wombwell have finished sixth after a run of great form in the closing stages of the campaign.

Wombwell’s line-ups in the last couple of months have been mainly made up of Simon’s young guns, some who have only just stepped up to the first team from the reserves.

Simon says the future looks bright for his Barnsley-based club.

“With young players it is a bit of a rollercoaster,” Simon told Non League Yorkshire.

“Some weeks they are on the top of their games and they’re flying, then some weeks they’re not.

“We haven’t had (inconsistency) because in the last six or seven weeks, they have been class.

“I’ve always enjoyed my football, but I’ve said to them that I’m enjoying coming because the way they are playing is great to watch.

“I’m really happy with finishing sixth.

“I’m not saying we will be favourites for anything next year, but what people are saying is if we keep these lads together then we’ll be challenging in a couple of years.”

Wombwell Main manager Terry Simon
Atley Jackson is one of a number of young players who have broken into Wombwell Main’s first team this season

Wombwell even beat Swinton Athletic during their fine run and Simon does not intent to mount a major recruitment blitz in the summer.

“I don’t think we need any more than three new players for next season,” he said.

“I need to have chat regarding our goalkeeper situation.

“Because of work and family commitments, we don’t know with Dale (Crossland).

“Stevie (Crossland) has done a great job in the last few matches to help us out, but he knows himself that long-term he’s not going to be the number one choice.

“We need to be looking out for a goalkeeper and two more players and then I’ll be happy.

“I don’t want to have brought young lads through from the reserves and see them do so well and then bring in four or five new players.

“That’s not the picture I painted at the start of the season.

“I said if you play well then you’ll keep your shirt.”

Action from Wombwell Main 0-2 Wakefield AFC

Wombwell’s final game of the campaign saw them lose 2-0 at home to title-chasing Wakefield AFC.

Wombwell – who lost on aggregate 5-0 to Wakey over the two league games – were really unlucky having created several chances in the first half.

“I was really proud of how we played,” Simon said.

“I thought we shaded it in the first half.

“They started off brightly and I had said we had to be prepared to match their work rate and their attitude and I thought we more than did that.

“For a 20-30 minute spell in the first half, we showed what we are all about.

“We tried to play football and play the right way.

“Whilst Kieran Hirst had a great game, I think we missed Ryan Wingrove who sniffs chances out, and young Bailey (Cowsell) who has been scoring goals for us.

“The first goal was a poor goal to give away as I thought we were on top at the time.

“I told the lads in the changing room at half-time to not change anything.

“I think we did, but they scored from a set-play (to seal the win).

“I think Wakefield are the best side we have played. They are an ambitious club and good luck to them. I wish them all the best”

Around 237 people attended the fixture and Simon was thrilled with the bumper attendance.

“We have had big crowds up here for cup finals, but Monday was the biggest crowd we’ve had for sometime for a league game,” he said.

“I’d like to think everyone enjoyed their visit.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *