Simon Clifford says a new look Garforth Town are going all out to win the UniBond League Division One North title.
Newly promoted Garforth finished tenth last season as the club kept faith with the squad that took them to the UniBond from the NCE Premier.
Clifford stood down as manager in November to concentrate on his businesses, but is back at the helm and h
oping his summer signings can fire his side to first place.
Clifford has brought in 21-year-old striker Michael Vickers, who had first team experience at Nottingham Forest last year, as well as former Rotherham forward Andy Hayward.
Centre-half Lee Connor has also joined, as has midfielder Wayne Harratt from Frickley, while Brett Renshaw, who attracted interest from Conference clubs, and Duncan Williams, pictured above, who bagged 14 goals from midfield last term, have signed three-year-contracts.
Garforth kick-off their home fixtures against Clitheroe tonight and the message is simple – Clifford wants the title.
"The aim is to win it. I don't see the point in going for anything else. Only one goes up (automatically) and if you finish in the play-offs, then it's the toss of a coin. We're really going to go for it and if it's not happening by October, I'll bring in new players and I'll do the same in December if I have to."
Elsewhere in first division north tonight, Ossett Albion entertain Newcastle Blue Star, while Harrogate Railway travel to Rossendale.
FC Halifax Town, whose debut in the division saw them humbled 3-0 at home by Bamber Bridge, will be seeking to make amends at Trafford.
In the Premier Division, Frickley entertain Whitby Town, while Bradford Park Avenue – who hammered Prescot 4-0 – visit Matlock.
Nostell host Winsford United in an FA Cup extra-preliminary round clash, while in the first-round of the NCEL League Cup, Leeds Carnegie go to Scarborough Athletic.
Tadcaster entertain Hemsworth MW, with Yorkshire Amateur at home to Pontefract Collieries.
Ends
The full article contains 338 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
