Lewis Nightingale praises Mossley manager Steve Halford

By James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson)

Lewis Nightingale has praised his manager Steve Halford and admits Mossley want to rest the demons from their devastating Evo Stik Division One North play-offs exit.

The former Huddersfield Town first year professional joined Mossley in December and featured nine times, but struggled heavily with injuries after suffering ankle ligaments damage twice during the season.

But, despite his problems, Nightingale, 23, wants to remain at Seel Park having enjoyed his time at the club and he admits that he has also been impressed with Halford, who led Mossley to play-offs in his first full season as a manager.

Halford has told him that he is in his plans for next season

“Steve Halford is a good manager and considering was his first year in management, he did a really good job last year,” he said.

“It’s a shame we didn’t go up.

“I didn’t realise at the time when I signed that the expectation weren’t to get in the play-offs and they were top when I signed.

“He has many different styles of management.

“He can motivate people when he needs to and he can also put his arm round players and tell them what he thinks of them to give them confidence.

“I like working under him and he gives you the confidence to go and play which is ideal for me.”

Mossley lost to Cammell Laird in the semi-finals of the play-offs after a last minute goal and midfielder Nightingale says the defeat will make the team more determined next season.

He said: “It was pretty heart-breaking to lose in the 93rd minute, but I don’t either team did enough to win the game so it just came down to one moment.

“Because of losing the game, I think we have a point to prove and I think if he (Halford) brings in one-or-two more faces then I think we will be there-or-there abouts again.”

Since being released from Huddersfield in the summer of 2010, Nightingale has struggled to settle in non-league football.

Bradford Park Avenue was the first port of call under Simon Collins, who was sacked after just three months in charge at Horsfall Stadium.

A brief stay at Frickley Athletic followed before he moved to Farsley AFC, helping the reformed club win the NCEL Premier Division title and NCEL League Cup.

Nightingale was released by Farsley boss Neil Parsley at the end of the season so he joined Harrogate Railway and played at Station View until Curzon Ashton came calling.

He was there for Curzon’s play-offs final defeat to Witton Albion.

Nightingale played for Goole at the beginning of last season before his move to Mossley and he admits that there is a huge difference between academy football and non-league football.

“Since leaving Huddersfield it has been difficult to adapt to the style of football,” he said.

“In the youth and reserves team winning isn’t the main aim as it is about developing players, whereas in non-league football, its win at all costs basically.

“It means managers can’t stick with players if they are not doing it.

“I feel I am getting there and getting used to it.”