Miners Discipline Earns 'England' Call-Up
29th January, 2014
Garforth Town have acted swiftly after their disciplinary record took a dramatic downward turn following their Fair Play League award in September.
Rather than bemoan the situation, manager Graham Nicholas took steps earlier this month to positively address the issue by inviting a top flight official to speak at a Garforth Town training session.
Referee and linesman Darren England ran the line in the FA Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at the City Ground and the Premier League clash featuring Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield during January.
Nicholas said after the session: "Darren England kindly gave up his time to give the Garforth Town players an insight into how they should conduct themselves on the pitch and the manner in which they should approach officials.
"The last three games has seen my players receive ten yellow cards and two red cards so I thought it was best to address certain issues.
"Players have to be accountable for their own actions, so I asked Darren to explain how referees generally think towards players and their actions. He also provided the players with some examples of how we can set and maintain a high level of discipline and respect that the referee's decision is final.
"The players welcomed Darren and respected what he had to say. They all acknowledged that they have to be accountable for their actions and made them think about how as a team we should be looking to improve our game.
"Moreover, they understood that they should respect the officials and the job they do."
Rather than bemoan the situation, manager Graham Nicholas took steps earlier this month to positively address the issue by inviting a top flight official to speak at a Garforth Town training session.
Referee and linesman Darren England ran the line in the FA Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at the City Ground and the Premier League clash featuring Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield during January.
Nicholas said after the session: "Darren England kindly gave up his time to give the Garforth Town players an insight into how they should conduct themselves on the pitch and the manner in which they should approach officials.
"The last three games has seen my players receive ten yellow cards and two red cards so I thought it was best to address certain issues.
"Players have to be accountable for their own actions, so I asked Darren to explain how referees generally think towards players and their actions. He also provided the players with some examples of how we can set and maintain a high level of discipline and respect that the referee's decision is final.
"The players welcomed Darren and respected what he had to say. They all acknowledged that they have to be accountable for their actions and made them think about how as a team we should be looking to improve our game.
"Moreover, they understood that they should respect the officials and the job they do."
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
New Marketing Manager at Garforth
24th January, 2014
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Garforth Town have unveiled a new marketing manager this week.
Will Collinson - pictured with Garforth Town chairman, Brian Close - is from Baildon, West Yorkshire, and has worked in community policing for the last ten years with West Yorkshire and British Transport Police. He was awarded Police Community Support Officer of the Year in 2013.
He told us a little more about himself and what he initially wants to achieve for Garforth Town, saying: "In a major change in my career I am now about to embark on a position with the fundraising department at MacMillan Cancer Care in Shipley at the end of February.
"I am a football fan, both playing and watching, and have held a season ticket at Bradford City since 1996. Late to the game as a player, I have never learnt the skills to class myself as even reasonably good! Over the last few years I have been playing on and off for Headingley Rovers, a Sunday team playing in the Harrogate Claro Sunday League.
"After a change of management in the summer, I took it upon myself to raise the profile of the club. I have enjoyed huge success with this, increasing the club's follower base to over 1600 on Twitter. In turn I have been able to attract sponsorship from many different businesses. I hope to be able to emulate some of that success at Garforth Town!"
Will Collinson - pictured with Garforth Town chairman, Brian Close - is from Baildon, West Yorkshire, and has worked in community policing for the last ten years with West Yorkshire and British Transport Police. He was awarded Police Community Support Officer of the Year in 2013.
He told us a little more about himself and what he initially wants to achieve for Garforth Town, saying: "In a major change in my career I am now about to embark on a position with the fundraising department at MacMillan Cancer Care in Shipley at the end of February.
"I am a football fan, both playing and watching, and have held a season ticket at Bradford City since 1996. Late to the game as a player, I have never learnt the skills to class myself as even reasonably good! Over the last few years I have been playing on and off for Headingley Rovers, a Sunday team playing in the Harrogate Claro Sunday League.
"After a change of management in the summer, I took it upon myself to raise the profile of the club. I have enjoyed huge success with this, increasing the club's follower base to over 1600 on Twitter. In turn I have been able to attract sponsorship from many different businesses. I hope to be able to emulate some of that success at Garforth Town!"
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Chairman Thanks Fans for Defib Help
21st September, 2013
Garforth Town chairman Brian Close has thanked supporters for their ?overwhelming? response to the initiative to raise money for a defibrillator.
The Miners have signed up to the Football Association's scheme to increase the numbers of defibrillators in semi-professional after raising the required amount.
The FA and British Heart Foundation pay a third, while the clubs pay the other third and Garforth managed to reach their target and Close was delighted.
"Obviously it came at a bad time for us because we're just starting out and the finances are tight," he said.
"We decided to try and raise some money through a penalty competition at half-time and a raffle. We have also had various donations.
"We actually raised the money within a couple of weeks and in the end we raised just over ?300.
"Basically we send the money to the league as it is being organised through the NCEL and I believe it will be coming in two to three months. They also offer training for a couple of people.
"It is an excellent and overwhelming response and I think everyone realises how important these things are. It is not just for the football side as we also have the bar so it will be here for functions."
The Miners have signed up to the Football Association's scheme to increase the numbers of defibrillators in semi-professional after raising the required amount.
The FA and British Heart Foundation pay a third, while the clubs pay the other third and Garforth managed to reach their target and Close was delighted.
"Obviously it came at a bad time for us because we're just starting out and the finances are tight," he said.
"We decided to try and raise some money through a penalty competition at half-time and a raffle. We have also had various donations.
"We actually raised the money within a couple of weeks and in the end we raised just over ?300.
"Basically we send the money to the league as it is being organised through the NCEL and I believe it will be coming in two to three months. They also offer training for a couple of people.
"It is an excellent and overwhelming response and I think everyone realises how important these things are. It is not just for the football side as we also have the bar so it will be here for functions."
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Carlisle Train at Garforth Before Big Game
24th August, 2013
Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott used Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Garforth Town's Wheatley Park Stadium yesterday for a workout ahead of their Sky Bet League One game at Colchester United.
A little like the Miners, Carlisle have not got off to the best off starts so, ahead of their huge Friday night fixture, the Cumbrians broke up a three hundred mile journey with a training session at the ground.
Garforth recorded their first win of the season on Wednesday night with an impressive 5-2 win over Bridlington Town, so it was hoped that that spirited performance against the odds would rub off a little and help Carlisle to a big win of their own.
In the end, it may have helped a little as they picked up their first point of the campaign in a 1-1 draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Strong links were forged between Carlisle and their NCEL hosts back in July when they met, for the first time, in a pre-season friendly at Garforths' ground (highlights are still available at garforthtown.net).
A little like the Miners, Carlisle have not got off to the best off starts so, ahead of their huge Friday night fixture, the Cumbrians broke up a three hundred mile journey with a training session at the ground.
Garforth recorded their first win of the season on Wednesday night with an impressive 5-2 win over Bridlington Town, so it was hoped that that spirited performance against the odds would rub off a little and help Carlisle to a big win of their own.
In the end, it may have helped a little as they picked up their first point of the campaign in a 1-1 draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Strong links were forged between Carlisle and their NCEL hosts back in July when they met, for the first time, in a pre-season friendly at Garforths' ground (highlights are still available at garforthtown.net).
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Miners Lift Nostell Trophy
5th August, 2013
Garforth Town head coach Graham Nicholas saluted his players after the Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division newcomers lifted the Nostell Tournament trophy.
New signing Gary Stohrer's sensational second minute strike gave Garforth an unexpected 1-0 victory over Evo Stik Division One North side Ossett Town in the Sunday final.
Garforth had beaten the AFC Emley Development Squad 5-1 in the semi-final on Saturday and Nicholas hopes the tournament will be the turning point in the club's recent history.
"I think it is massive and a massive confidence booster for the club and I think we are going in the right direction," he said.
"Hopefully today was an indicator of how the club will go forward and progress. Obviously today has identified the players that will come in and sign for the club.
"We are strong, but we are missing some key players as three or four will come in. But the fans have seen how we will play and the philosophy and hopefully they'll get behind us and see good results.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the result, but it's about the long term vision and the bigger picture and 'can those players do their roles'.
"Today they applied it."
Garforth have a new committee, led by chairman Brian Close, in place and things are looking bright ahead of the first Premier Division match with Thackley at Wheatley Park next Saturday.
New signing Gary Stohrer's sensational second minute strike gave Garforth an unexpected 1-0 victory over Evo Stik Division One North side Ossett Town in the Sunday final.
Garforth had beaten the AFC Emley Development Squad 5-1 in the semi-final on Saturday and Nicholas hopes the tournament will be the turning point in the club's recent history.
"I think it is massive and a massive confidence booster for the club and I think we are going in the right direction," he said.
"Hopefully today was an indicator of how the club will go forward and progress. Obviously today has identified the players that will come in and sign for the club.
"We are strong, but we are missing some key players as three or four will come in. But the fans have seen how we will play and the philosophy and hopefully they'll get behind us and see good results.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the result, but it's about the long term vision and the bigger picture and 'can those players do their roles'.
"Today they applied it."
Garforth have a new committee, led by chairman Brian Close, in place and things are looking bright ahead of the first Premier Division match with Thackley at Wheatley Park next Saturday.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Miners Sign Nine Ahead of New Campaign
30th July, 2013
Garforth Town head coach Graham Nicholas has made his first nine signings as he begins to put the finishing touches to his squad ahead of the club's return to the Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League.
Goalkeeper Dominic Smith, who had a magnificent game in a pre-season friendly against Farsley AFC last week, has put pen to paper along with defender Joshua Greenhalgh.
Ossett Albion target Nick Black is another who has committed his future to Wheatley Park.
Jack McMurrough, Alex Booker, Jack Kirk, Nick Allen, Joshua Hemingway and Moise Misambu have also signed forms.
The Miners' Premier Division campaign begins on August 10th at home to Thackley.
Goalkeeper Dominic Smith, who had a magnificent game in a pre-season friendly against Farsley AFC last week, has put pen to paper along with defender Joshua Greenhalgh.
Ossett Albion target Nick Black is another who has committed his future to Wheatley Park.
Jack McMurrough, Alex Booker, Jack Kirk, Nick Allen, Joshua Hemingway and Moise Misambu have also signed forms.
The Miners' Premier Division campaign begins on August 10th at home to Thackley.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
New Press Officer at Garforth
26th July, 2013
Garforth Town have appointed James Grayson as the clubs' new press officer.
James, 23, joins from Farsley AFC where he has spent nearly six years in the same role.
Garforth chairman Brian Close said: "We're delighted to welcome James to Wheatley Park.
"He is someone I have known and trusted for a few years and he has big contacts in the media and in non-league football. He will be a great addition to our media team."
James added: "I'm pleased to join Garforth. I'm a local lad, I live in Garforth and I'm looking forward to increasing the profile of the club to the community and to the whole of non-league football."
James, 23, joins from Farsley AFC where he has spent nearly six years in the same role.
Garforth chairman Brian Close said: "We're delighted to welcome James to Wheatley Park.
"He is someone I have known and trusted for a few years and he has big contacts in the media and in non-league football. He will be a great addition to our media team."
James added: "I'm pleased to join Garforth. I'm a local lad, I live in Garforth and I'm looking forward to increasing the profile of the club to the community and to the whole of non-league football."
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Chance To Have Your Name In Lights
25th July, 2013
NCEL Premier Division newcomers Garforth Town are giving everyone a chance to name their brand new snack bar.
Home and away supporters can put their suggestion for a title forward for ?1, with 50p of each suggestion going to the registered charity of the winner's choice.
The names will be put into a hat and the winner will get their chosen text above the snack bar for the season. The name will also appear on the club's website and in matchday programmes.
And, if that wasn't enough, the winner will also get a season's supply of free burgers - one at every home game - and get to keep the sign at the end of the campaign.
The title can be wacky, serious or even a tribute to a loved one - so long as it isn't abusive, rude, racist, etc...
Suggestions are being taken until the end of August and entries are not just restricted to Garforth supporters.
Anybody can enter - just imagine, as a rival, having your name above the door at Garforth Town...
Home and away supporters can put their suggestion for a title forward for ?1, with 50p of each suggestion going to the registered charity of the winner's choice.
The names will be put into a hat and the winner will get their chosen text above the snack bar for the season. The name will also appear on the club's website and in matchday programmes.
And, if that wasn't enough, the winner will also get a season's supply of free burgers - one at every home game - and get to keep the sign at the end of the campaign.
The title can be wacky, serious or even a tribute to a loved one - so long as it isn't abusive, rude, racist, etc...
Suggestions are being taken until the end of August and entries are not just restricted to Garforth supporters.
Anybody can enter - just imagine, as a rival, having your name above the door at Garforth Town...
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Miners Set for Carlisle Challenge
12th July, 2013
Graham Nicholas' Garforth Town face a tough test in their first pre-season game as Carlisle United aim to bring their first team to Cedar Ridge for a friendly on Tuesday (16th July).
Carlisle kicked off their pre-season last Saturday with a win at Kendal Town. Despite going a goal down, the Football League One side showed their superior fitness with four goals in the last half hour. Trialist Jordan Deacy, formerly of Bradford Park Avenue, was among the scorers.
The Cumbrians boast plenty of experience with the likes of ex Everton and Leeds striker Danny Cadamarteri and former Sunderland midfielder Paul Thirwell, as well as an array of homegrown talent.
In his six years in charge, manager Greg Abbott, whose playing career included Bradford City, Coventry City and Hull City, has steered the club away from battling first division relegation and reached the Johnstones' Paint Trophy final twice, winning it at the second attempt.
The result will probably be of secondary importance to Nicholas as this will be his first chance to 'trial' his squad in a full game.
It will also be a chance for the Garforth locals to witness the beginning of a new era for the club.
Kick off is at 7.30pm on Tuesday July 16th and admission is Adults ?5, Concessions ?2.50 and Children under 16s FREE with a paying adult (?1 without).
Carlisle kicked off their pre-season last Saturday with a win at Kendal Town. Despite going a goal down, the Football League One side showed their superior fitness with four goals in the last half hour. Trialist Jordan Deacy, formerly of Bradford Park Avenue, was among the scorers.
The Cumbrians boast plenty of experience with the likes of ex Everton and Leeds striker Danny Cadamarteri and former Sunderland midfielder Paul Thirwell, as well as an array of homegrown talent.
In his six years in charge, manager Greg Abbott, whose playing career included Bradford City, Coventry City and Hull City, has steered the club away from battling first division relegation and reached the Johnstones' Paint Trophy final twice, winning it at the second attempt.
The result will probably be of secondary importance to Nicholas as this will be his first chance to 'trial' his squad in a full game.
It will also be a chance for the Garforth locals to witness the beginning of a new era for the club.
Kick off is at 7.30pm on Tuesday July 16th and admission is Adults ?5, Concessions ?2.50 and Children under 16s FREE with a paying adult (?1 without).
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Fans Pitch In to Raise Spirits at Garforth
9th July, 2013
Garforth Town?s fans came out in force at the weekend to paint the changing rooms, refresh the social club and clear the pitch at Wheatley Park ahead of the new season.
Chairman Brian Close called for a day of action on Saturday to improve the club's facilities and he was delighted with the turnout.
He said: "Despite a testing year, today showed how much the fans care. They've come out to help us get back up on our feet and it's reassuring to know that we can rely on that sort of support. We'd like to thank everyone who has helped."
The Miners were relegated to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after finishing bottom of the Northern Premier League First Division North in May.
It prompted Mr Close and a number of backroom staff return to the club after a year's absence to embark on a rebuilding programme.
He said: "Although today was about improving the facilities and bringing the place back into a good condition, it's the start of a much bigger project to re-establish it as a community club. We're working hard to improve links with local schools and businesses."
Ticket prices for the 2013/14 campaign have been set at just ?5 for adults and ?1 for under-16s - although juniors can get in free if they're accompanied by a full paying adult.
Mr Close added: "We've got some great facilities and we're really hoping that residents of Garforth and Leeds will get behind us. We're really excited for the new season."
Garforth have a big friendly against League One side Carlisle on Tuesday 16th July, which will be manager Graham Nicholas' first game in charge.
Chairman Brian Close called for a day of action on Saturday to improve the club's facilities and he was delighted with the turnout.
He said: "Despite a testing year, today showed how much the fans care. They've come out to help us get back up on our feet and it's reassuring to know that we can rely on that sort of support. We'd like to thank everyone who has helped."
The Miners were relegated to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after finishing bottom of the Northern Premier League First Division North in May.
It prompted Mr Close and a number of backroom staff return to the club after a year's absence to embark on a rebuilding programme.
He said: "Although today was about improving the facilities and bringing the place back into a good condition, it's the start of a much bigger project to re-establish it as a community club. We're working hard to improve links with local schools and businesses."
Ticket prices for the 2013/14 campaign have been set at just ?5 for adults and ?1 for under-16s - although juniors can get in free if they're accompanied by a full paying adult.
Mr Close added: "We've got some great facilities and we're really hoping that residents of Garforth and Leeds will get behind us. We're really excited for the new season."
Garforth have a big friendly against League One side Carlisle on Tuesday 16th July, which will be manager Graham Nicholas' first game in charge.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
Nicholas Ready for Garforth Challenge
27th June, 2013
Graham Nicholas has been named as Garforth Town's new manager as the Miners prepare for their return to the Northern Counties East Football League.
And, the club's fan site reports that Nicholas is ready to show what he can do and is champing at the bit to get stuck in and build a squad that will hold its own in the league.
A keen student of the game, the A licence coach and PE teacher has an extensive background in academy coaching with the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, Sheffield United and Rotherham and he has an entertaining philosophy that should sit well with Garforth fans.
His work in the US included accepting a three year playing scholarship, followed by a head coach postition in North Dakota.
Back in England, he worked with Athersley Recreation early last season before resuming his academy work but the chance to take the reins at Garforth last week was too big an opportunity to turn down.
Nicholas, along with the club, is rightly playing down his expectations somewhat this season, saying: "My biggest job is to provide initial stability, and to galvanise the players and supporters so we're all pulling in the right direction."
He has a good list of players that he's been contacting for an open training session (9th July, 6pm).
If anybody is interested in attending, feel free to contact him on 07793 551365 or at greznicholas@hotmail.com.
And, the club's fan site reports that Nicholas is ready to show what he can do and is champing at the bit to get stuck in and build a squad that will hold its own in the league.
A keen student of the game, the A licence coach and PE teacher has an extensive background in academy coaching with the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, Sheffield United and Rotherham and he has an entertaining philosophy that should sit well with Garforth fans.
His work in the US included accepting a three year playing scholarship, followed by a head coach postition in North Dakota.
Back in England, he worked with Athersley Recreation early last season before resuming his academy work but the chance to take the reins at Garforth last week was too big an opportunity to turn down.
Nicholas, along with the club, is rightly playing down his expectations somewhat this season, saying: "My biggest job is to provide initial stability, and to galvanise the players and supporters so we're all pulling in the right direction."
He has a good list of players that he's been contacting for an open training session (9th July, 6pm).
If anybody is interested in attending, feel free to contact him on 07793 551365 or at greznicholas@hotmail.com.
(Story Source: Garforth Town)
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