Toolstation NCEL Division One
Dave Ricardo says Beverley Town are all set for a special night as the dream officially becomes a reality this evening.
Beverley will host their historic first home game as a Non League club when Rossington Main visit and they will also switch on their new floodlights for a first team fixture for the first ever time,
Years of hard work have brought Beverley to this point and Ricardo paid tribute to a host of people.
“It was literally a pipe dream when I started managing Beverley ten years ago,” Ricardo told Non League Yorkshire.
“I left (in 2014) because I didn’t think (Step 6 football and floodlights) could be done.
“Fair play to the likes of Rich Jagger, Stu Acaster, Gary Proud, Mike Smith, Ollie Grantham and the rest of volunteers because they have managed to make it happen.
“I doth my cap.
“I was at Hall Road last year and I honestly didn’t think Beverley would get it sorted for this season, maybe the next.
“They have done remarkably well to get it done for this season so full credit to all of them.
“I think there is an element of celebration and vindication (tonight).
“People said they wouldn’t do and couldn’t do and they have gone and done it.
“When it is all over at quarter to ten they’ll be a few people sat down with a pint and they’ll puff their cheeks and think ‘thank god it is all over and we can concentrate on the season’.
“There’ll be a lot of mixed emotions.”
Beverley’s first few weeks in the NCEL have been a dream as well as they have won three out of three after beating Athersley Rec, Ollerton Town and Parkgate.
“It has been positive,” Ricardo said.
“If someone said you’d win your first three games away from home at any level, you’d snap their hand off because it is absolutely ideal.
“It has helped with the foundations and I’d say we need eight more points and we won’t get relegated!
“That’s the first thing to tick off.
“Every game has had different challenges, especially for the players who haven’t played at this level before.
“They have ticked most of the boxes and managed to get the wins.
“It hasn’t been pretty at times but I’m not the prettiest either.
“It is a case of being effective rather than being a glamour model which is something I’ve learnt over the years.
“The game against Rossington will be another kettle of fish.
“They have a real blend of experienced and youthful players at Rossington.
“Liam King is down there and you look at him seven years ago, there wasn’t a better skipper in Non League Football.
“Every manager would want a Liam King as skipper.
“It will be a battle and it is the first home game for the club at this level so let’s go and enjoy it.
“There’s no pressure on anybody.”
Ricardo did not comment on wild rumours that he is hoping to add a Spanish star and Venezuelan playmaker to his growing band of international Galácticos.