Garforth Town placed into the Northern Counties East League

By James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson)

Garforth Town have been given the chance to rebuild themselves in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

The NCEL announced their proposed constitution today and Garforth will join fellow Evo Stik side Hucknall Town in the new-look Premier Division next season.

Since the departure of manager Steve Nichol and the entire squad last summer, Garforth struggled to gather a team together and finished bottom of Division One North.

The long-serving Vernol Blair (pictured above) kept the club afloat on-the-pitch and acted in a dignified manner, but did not have the resources to attract players which would have meant that Garforth would have been able to complete.

Away from the pitch, the club had a series of public relations disasters throughout the season which now seem to have stopped.

The arrival of former Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe as an investor at Christmas provided some respite, but it is unclear whether Lowe is still involved with Garforth.

Joining Garforth and Hucknall in the Premier are promoted sides Albion Sports and Athersley Recreation and Basford United from the East Midlands Counties League.

In Division One, Yorkshire Amateur have received a reprieve and will stay in the NCEL.

But, Askern Villa will play Central Midlands League football next season.

Hall Road Rangers return to the Division after their relegation from the Premier and they will play Dronfield Town and Shaw Lane Aquafore who join from the Central Midlands League and Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League.

As confirmed yesterday, Arnold Town will compete in the East Midlands Counties League.

All changes are due to be ratified at the NCEL AGM on Saturday 8th June.