Main 'Reasonably Happy' To Be Tenth
13th May, 2007
Maltby Main boss Sean Kay has declared himself satis?fied with a mid-table finish in the Premier Division despite an end-of-season slump.
The Muglet Lane outfit suffered a sixth straight defeat at Glapwell Town in their final League outing of the season.
The result meant Main had to settle for tenth place despite being in and around the top six for most of the season.
But considering that Kay took the reins last summer with a skeleton squad and scant resources, the season has to be considered a triumph against the odds.
"Considering what we started with, we've got to be reasonably happy with the way things have gone," said Kay.
"We drew twice with the champions Retford, when we probably should have done the double over them.
"We got a draw at Sheffield FC and would have beaten them at home if Chris Dolby hadn't come on and won the match for them.
"We have competed against all the top clubs but been disappointing against the lower clubs, which tells me something about my players. We've been up for the big games but not for the nitty gritty fixtures.
"I think that's the main reason we've had to settle for tenth.
"We've had some good, consistent performers. Scott Somerville scored 18 goals in only 20 games and Liam Kay, Craig McCormick, Luke Fletcher and our goalkeeper, Oliver Schofield, have been consistent."
A run of four straight defeats just before Christmas ripped the wind out of Kay's side after they had held pole position in the table during the heady days of autumn.
Main recovered to play better in the new year but were unable to rediscov?er their slick early-season form.
Kay added: "I do believe there is a decent base for next season.
"With local lads like Somerville, Danny Riley and Paul Staniforth hopefully in the side, it will have a real Maltby flavour."
The Muglet Lane outfit suffered a sixth straight defeat at Glapwell Town in their final League outing of the season.
The result meant Main had to settle for tenth place despite being in and around the top six for most of the season.
But considering that Kay took the reins last summer with a skeleton squad and scant resources, the season has to be considered a triumph against the odds.
"Considering what we started with, we've got to be reasonably happy with the way things have gone," said Kay.
"We drew twice with the champions Retford, when we probably should have done the double over them.
"We got a draw at Sheffield FC and would have beaten them at home if Chris Dolby hadn't come on and won the match for them.
"We have competed against all the top clubs but been disappointing against the lower clubs, which tells me something about my players. We've been up for the big games but not for the nitty gritty fixtures.
"I think that's the main reason we've had to settle for tenth.
"We've had some good, consistent performers. Scott Somerville scored 18 goals in only 20 games and Liam Kay, Craig McCormick, Luke Fletcher and our goalkeeper, Oliver Schofield, have been consistent."
A run of four straight defeats just before Christmas ripped the wind out of Kay's side after they had held pole position in the table during the heady days of autumn.
Main recovered to play better in the new year but were unable to rediscov?er their slick early-season form.
Kay added: "I do believe there is a decent base for next season.
"With local lads like Somerville, Danny Riley and Paul Staniforth hopefully in the side, it will have a real Maltby flavour."
(Story Source: Rotherham Advertiser)
Main Unveil New Signings
26th February, 2007
Maltby Main have signed three new players to bolster their squad for the end of season run-in.
Former Buxton striker Wes Pierce has signed on at Muglet Lane after a spell at Staveley Miners Welfare earlier this season.
Maltby lad Paul Staniforth, a left sided defender, returns to Muglet Lane after a spell in the UniBond League with Wakefield and Emley while 18-year old striker David Alder-Heaver, from Worksop Town, completes the trio.
Team boss Sean Kay was quick to move into the transfer market after being reduced to only fourteen fit players for the recent home match against Thackley.
Main won 4-2 to consolidate their place in the top five of the Premier Division but suspensions to front-line strikers Scott Somerville and Ashley Longstaff as well as the influential Liam Kay have increased the urgency to bring in new blood.
Said boss Kay: "We'll just have to get through the rest of February and March with whatever squad we can but I have every confidence in the lads we have and the ones I've brought in.
"People are still expecting us to drop like a stone. What we've got to do is to roll up our sleeves and keep surprising people."
Former Buxton striker Wes Pierce has signed on at Muglet Lane after a spell at Staveley Miners Welfare earlier this season.
Maltby lad Paul Staniforth, a left sided defender, returns to Muglet Lane after a spell in the UniBond League with Wakefield and Emley while 18-year old striker David Alder-Heaver, from Worksop Town, completes the trio.
Team boss Sean Kay was quick to move into the transfer market after being reduced to only fourteen fit players for the recent home match against Thackley.
Main won 4-2 to consolidate their place in the top five of the Premier Division but suspensions to front-line strikers Scott Somerville and Ashley Longstaff as well as the influential Liam Kay have increased the urgency to bring in new blood.
Said boss Kay: "We'll just have to get through the rest of February and March with whatever squad we can but I have every confidence in the lads we have and the ones I've brought in.
"People are still expecting us to drop like a stone. What we've got to do is to roll up our sleeves and keep surprising people."
(Story Source: Rotherham Advertiser)
Main Man Steps In At Muglet Lane
21st February, 2007
If there was any justice in football, writes The Maltby Mail, the voting for Manager of the Year in the NCEL Premier Division would have closed already.
Sean Kay's remarkable achievements this season in taking perennial relegation strugglers Maltby Main to the heady heights of a promotion race is surely the coaching story of the season.
Not only are The Miners battling for a promotion spot they also topped the league during a heady spell in the Autumn.
Then, Kay warned his players not to get ahead of themselves while trying to maintain the tremendous spirit which had taken them to the top spot in the first place.
This pragmatism was evident when he took up the reins when Wilf Race stepped down at the end of last season.
Then, the club survived relegation by just one place, albeit with an eight point cushion.
But, Kay was not daunted by taking over a Maltby team which which was expected to face a battle to survive the drop.
"Our aim was to do better than just avoiding relegation," says Kay. "There were some new signings, and we brought in a few players from Sheffield."
Kay is being modest. His acumen in the market has been one of the most impressive things of his short reign.
This is even more remarkable when the parlous state of the club's finances are taken into consideration.
With The Maltby Mail as its main sponsor, via a deal which Kay himself helped broker, the club is the only one in the division that does not pay its players.
Few people outside the club realise that Kay has been responsible for bringing in a comparatively large sum of money into the club via attracting sponsors and through his own personal efforts.
Despite these problems, Kay?s inspirational qualities, coaching ablility and knowledge of a good player when he sees one has helped the club to one of its best seasons ever.
Nevertheless it has continued to be difficult to attract sponsors and, even more surprisingly, crowds.
"Of course we are disappointed with the crowds," said Kay, "although against some of the better supported sides we have had a decent turnout."
The truth is that as the final push approaches Kay needs all the support he can get.
Not only from his players but from the town too.
This is the best chance the Main have had in a long time, and it is time to make your way to Muglett Lane and support our side.
Promotion would bring with it massive challenges, but surely we are not going to turn that down!
Sean Kay's remarkable achievements this season in taking perennial relegation strugglers Maltby Main to the heady heights of a promotion race is surely the coaching story of the season.
Not only are The Miners battling for a promotion spot they also topped the league during a heady spell in the Autumn.
Then, Kay warned his players not to get ahead of themselves while trying to maintain the tremendous spirit which had taken them to the top spot in the first place.
This pragmatism was evident when he took up the reins when Wilf Race stepped down at the end of last season.
Then, the club survived relegation by just one place, albeit with an eight point cushion.
But, Kay was not daunted by taking over a Maltby team which which was expected to face a battle to survive the drop.
"Our aim was to do better than just avoiding relegation," says Kay. "There were some new signings, and we brought in a few players from Sheffield."
Kay is being modest. His acumen in the market has been one of the most impressive things of his short reign.
This is even more remarkable when the parlous state of the club's finances are taken into consideration.
With The Maltby Mail as its main sponsor, via a deal which Kay himself helped broker, the club is the only one in the division that does not pay its players.
Few people outside the club realise that Kay has been responsible for bringing in a comparatively large sum of money into the club via attracting sponsors and through his own personal efforts.
Despite these problems, Kay?s inspirational qualities, coaching ablility and knowledge of a good player when he sees one has helped the club to one of its best seasons ever.
Nevertheless it has continued to be difficult to attract sponsors and, even more surprisingly, crowds.
"Of course we are disappointed with the crowds," said Kay, "although against some of the better supported sides we have had a decent turnout."
The truth is that as the final push approaches Kay needs all the support he can get.
Not only from his players but from the town too.
This is the best chance the Main have had in a long time, and it is time to make your way to Muglett Lane and support our side.
Promotion would bring with it massive challenges, but surely we are not going to turn that down!
(Story Source: The Maltby Mail)
Mail Backs The Main
9th August, 2006
Maltby Main and The Maltby Mail have reached a partnership agreement which will hopefully see the cash-strapped club's coffers swell over the coming months.
"We are delighted to be associated with Maltby Main a club, like ourselves, at the heart of the community," said The Maltby Mail's sales manager Martyn Pearce.
He added: "They have a long and proud history, and it does seem as if last season's struggles were more down to finances rather than the attitude of the players and management.
"This is our first involvement with a senior club, but we will also be looking to support and report junior football in the town."
As well as taking up its own sponsor's deal, the newspaper will attempt to lift the profile of the club and attract other major sponsors for the Muglet Lane outfit.
"It has been very difficult for us for a number of years," said Nick Dunhill, the club's programme and web editor, who is standing in as commercial manager attempting to raise funds.
"We have no full-time staff to take on the work of fund-raising, and although all members of the club put in lots of un-paid hours we are not experts in commercial sponsorship.
"The agreement with The Maltby Mail not only brings a new sponsor on board, but hopefully some expertise to help us get some additional funding for the new manager."
Sean Kay took over the reins from Wilf Race at the end of June, the latter blaming the lack of money for players as being the main reason behind his decision to step down.
"We are delighted to be associated with Maltby Main a club, like ourselves, at the heart of the community," said The Maltby Mail's sales manager Martyn Pearce.
He added: "They have a long and proud history, and it does seem as if last season's struggles were more down to finances rather than the attitude of the players and management.
"This is our first involvement with a senior club, but we will also be looking to support and report junior football in the town."
As well as taking up its own sponsor's deal, the newspaper will attempt to lift the profile of the club and attract other major sponsors for the Muglet Lane outfit.
"It has been very difficult for us for a number of years," said Nick Dunhill, the club's programme and web editor, who is standing in as commercial manager attempting to raise funds.
"We have no full-time staff to take on the work of fund-raising, and although all members of the club put in lots of un-paid hours we are not experts in commercial sponsorship.
"The agreement with The Maltby Mail not only brings a new sponsor on board, but hopefully some expertise to help us get some additional funding for the new manager."
Sean Kay took over the reins from Wilf Race at the end of June, the latter blaming the lack of money for players as being the main reason behind his decision to step down.
(Story Source: Maltby Main)
Main Want Cup Hero
30th July, 2006
Chesterfield FA Cup hero Jonathan Howard may come out of retirement to play for NCEL Premier Division side, Maltby Main, according to The Non-League Paper.
Howard, 34, acquired legendary status for scoring a "goal" that never stood in the 1997 semi-final against Premiership Middlesbrough.
New Maltby boss Sean Kay was hoping to persuade Howard to sign, even though he has not played for the past two years since leaving Burton Albion.
Howard, 34, acquired legendary status for scoring a "goal" that never stood in the 1997 semi-final against Premiership Middlesbrough.
New Maltby boss Sean Kay was hoping to persuade Howard to sign, even though he has not played for the past two years since leaving Burton Albion.
(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)
Wilf Will Not Miss Rat-Race
4th July, 2006
Wilf Race has spoken of the pressures of trying to run a Northern Counties East League club "on a shoestring" - before giving his personal backing to new Maltby Main boss Sean Kay, writes The Non-League Paper.
"No-one can appreciate the effort that goes into running a team that's short of financial backing," said Race, who had to endure a 180-day touchline ban while keeping Main in the Premier Division.
"Last season I brought 45 to 50 players through the ranks - some weren't good enough, some made the grade and some were great acquisitions who moved on to other clubs.
"It will be great to get up on a Saturday morning and not have to worry about players, but I love Maltby and that's why I want to keep involved."
Chairman John Mills said: "Wilf has done a brilliant job on limited finances. We could not have asked for more."
Kay, who was recommended by Race, is an experienced former Non-League player who spent two years coaching at Rotherham.
He is already lining up former Leeds and Rotherham full-back Craig Mudd and ex-Sheffield Wednesday player James Mitchell amongst others.
"No-one can appreciate the effort that goes into running a team that's short of financial backing," said Race, who had to endure a 180-day touchline ban while keeping Main in the Premier Division.
"Last season I brought 45 to 50 players through the ranks - some weren't good enough, some made the grade and some were great acquisitions who moved on to other clubs.
"It will be great to get up on a Saturday morning and not have to worry about players, but I love Maltby and that's why I want to keep involved."
Chairman John Mills said: "Wilf has done a brilliant job on limited finances. We could not have asked for more."
Kay, who was recommended by Race, is an experienced former Non-League player who spent two years coaching at Rotherham.
He is already lining up former Leeds and Rotherham full-back Craig Mudd and ex-Sheffield Wednesday player James Mitchell amongst others.
(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)
New Boss At Muglet Lane
27th June, 2006
Sean Kay has been appointed as the new manager of Maltby Main and has admitted: "It is a big challenge."
The 48-year-old brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Muglet Lane after being recommended for the job by Wilf Race, who has stepped down to take a back-seat role.
Sheffield-born Kay will need to tap into every ounce of his footballing know-how as he looks to help Main compete against more affluent rivals in the top flight of the Northern Counties League.
"It's a big challenge here but it is one that I am looking forward to," said Kay.
"I'm well aware of the difficulties Wilf Race has faced here because I know him well from my playing days and time as neighbours in Conisbrough.
"Wilf did very well but he'd grown tired of pulling rabbits out of hats and wanted to take a more low-key role.
"He got in contact and asked me if I'd be interested in the job and I said yes."
Kay, who lives in Greasbrough, was handed the manager's job by the Maltby committee last Friday and wasted no time in bolstering his squad for next season.
No fewer than five young players - many with professional club experience - are set to sign up.
"The other people I'm bringing in have not played Northern Counties football but they are all keen, young players in their early 20s with reserves experience at professional clubs."
Kay's CV is impressive. A former junior player with Sheffield United, he pursued his studies after leaving Bramall Lane but played amateur football to a good level with Heanor, Retford, Spalding, Winterton Rangers, Stocksbridge Park and Sutton, where he had three spells.
After hanging up his boots, he spent two years coaching at Rotherharn United alongside Billy Russell and then Alan Knill before a successful spell in junior football.
Now back in the senior ranks, Kay is not daunted by taking over a Maltby team which missed relegation by one place, albeit by a clear 8 points last season.
"As well as the new signings we've mentioned, I've hopefully got two or three other players coming over to us from Sheffield.
"Our aim is to do better than just avoiding relegation," he added.
The 48-year-old brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Muglet Lane after being recommended for the job by Wilf Race, who has stepped down to take a back-seat role.
Sheffield-born Kay will need to tap into every ounce of his footballing know-how as he looks to help Main compete against more affluent rivals in the top flight of the Northern Counties League.
"It's a big challenge here but it is one that I am looking forward to," said Kay.
"I'm well aware of the difficulties Wilf Race has faced here because I know him well from my playing days and time as neighbours in Conisbrough.
"Wilf did very well but he'd grown tired of pulling rabbits out of hats and wanted to take a more low-key role.
"He got in contact and asked me if I'd be interested in the job and I said yes."
Kay, who lives in Greasbrough, was handed the manager's job by the Maltby committee last Friday and wasted no time in bolstering his squad for next season.
No fewer than five young players - many with professional club experience - are set to sign up.
"The other people I'm bringing in have not played Northern Counties football but they are all keen, young players in their early 20s with reserves experience at professional clubs."
Kay's CV is impressive. A former junior player with Sheffield United, he pursued his studies after leaving Bramall Lane but played amateur football to a good level with Heanor, Retford, Spalding, Winterton Rangers, Stocksbridge Park and Sutton, where he had three spells.
After hanging up his boots, he spent two years coaching at Rotherharn United alongside Billy Russell and then Alan Knill before a successful spell in junior football.
Now back in the senior ranks, Kay is not daunted by taking over a Maltby team which missed relegation by one place, albeit by a clear 8 points last season.
"As well as the new signings we've mentioned, I've hopefully got two or three other players coming over to us from Sheffield.
"Our aim is to do better than just avoiding relegation," he added.
(Story Source: Rotherham Advertiser)
Tables
| NCEL Premier Division | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Retford United | 38 | 82 | 55 |
| P | 2 | Sheffield | 38 | 77 | 32 |
| P | 3 | Carlton Town | 38 | 73 | 42 |
| P | 4 | Garforth Town | 38 | 70 | 39 |
| 5 | Selby Town | 38 | 69 | 26 | |
| 6 | Glapwell | 38 | 66 | 23 | |
| 7 | Mickleover Spts | 38 | 63 | 8 | |
| 8 | Sutton Town (-3) | 38 | 56 | 18 | |
| 9 | Pickering Town | 38 | 56 | 7 | |
| 10 | Maltby Main | 38 | 52 | -2 | |
| 11 | Long Eaton United | 38 | 51 | -3 | |
| 12 | Liversedge | 38 | 49 | -2 | |
| 13 | Armthorpe Welfare | 38 | 48 | -1 | |
| 14 | Hallam | 38 | 48 | -6 | |
| 15 | Arnold Town | 38 | 45 | -11 | |
| 16 | Glasshoughton Welf | 38 | 43 | -8 | |
| 17 | Eccleshill United | 38 | 39 | -42 | |
| 18 | Thackley (-1) | 38 | 31 | -37 | |
| 19 | Shirebrook Town | 38 | 30 | -35 | |
| 20 | Brodsworth Welf (-1) | 38 | 10 | -103 | |
| NCEL Division One | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Parkgate | 32 | 82 | 82 |
| P | 2 | Winterton Rangers | 32 | 71 | 52 |
| P | 3 | Sth Normanton | 32 | 65 | 42 |
| P | 4 | Nostell MW (-3) | 32 | 57 | 25 |
| P | 5 | Lincoln Moorlands | 32 | 56 | 21 |
| 6 | Staveley MW | 32 | 51 | 7 | |
| 7 | Tadcaster Albion | 32 | 49 | 6 | |
| 8 | Worsbrough Bridge | 32 | 48 | 11 | |
| 9 | Dinnington Town | 32 | 43 | 6 | |
| 10 | Hall Road Rangers | 32 | 43 | -3 | |
| 11 | Borrowash Victoria | 32 | 37 | -14 | |
| 12 | Pontefract Collieries | 32 | 37 | -26 | |
| 13 | AFC Emley | 32 | 34 | -22 | |
| 14 | Gedling Town | 32 | 31 | -18 | |
| 15 | Teversal | 32 | 31 | -34 | |
| 16 | Yorkshire Amateur | 32 | 22 | -73 | |
| 17 | Rossington Main | 32 | 16 | -62 | |