Parkgate skipper joins management team

TEAM captain Simon Harrison has stepped up to become player-coach at Northern Counties East League side Parkgate.
New Parkgate player coach Simon Harrison.New Parkgate player coach Simon Harrison.
New Parkgate player coach Simon Harrison.

Simon joined the club shortly after chairman Albert Dudill appointed former player Andy Dawson as manager back in September 2018.

Welcoming the addition of Harrison to the coaching staff, the boss said: "From the day Simon joined the club he has been first class both on and off the pitch. 

"He has produced some memorable moments during my time here, the 30-yard free-kick against Armthorpe away, a similar one against Bolsover and his unbelievable overhead kick this season away at East Hull, to name but a few. 

"His role outside football as a personal trainer means he is as fit as anyone in the squad but it's his experience of playing at a higher level and his knowledge that made the decision by myself and Lee Whitehead (assistant manager) to ask Simon to join the coaching side. All the lads respect him as captain and we felt it was a no brainier to get him involved."

Harrison added: "I'm honoured to have been asked but I know I won't fully enjoy it unless we're successful, so that will all depend on results and performances which we are keen to turnaround of late."

Due to a combination of the weather and bad luck, the Steelmen have played only once since October. They sit in the bottom half of Division One although with plenty of games in hand on rivals.

Gate make the short trip to Hallam tomorrow (3pm) while in-form Swallownest, with eight wins from their last ten in league and cup, host Nostell.

In the NCEL Premier, Maltby Main chase a third straight win at home to Yorkshire Amateur.