Full-back Sam Leach has this week left the club to join fellow Premier Division side Hemsworth MW. The former York City academy player, who picked up the annual 'Ralph Backhouse Trophy' at last season's presentation evening for his service to the club on and off the field, has struggled to make Rob Hunter's first XI in recent weeks and has decided to move on. Sam joined us at the beginning of last season and, watched on by his also popular father Andy, made 48 appearances in total for The Miners (10 as sub with no goals, although never say never!).
Also leaving are defender Brett Smith and Goalkeeping Coach Damian Locke. Efforts are already underway to find a replacement goalkeeping coach.
As a result of last weekend's cup tie against Knaresborough, our manager faces a real selection dilemma this Saturday. Four players will be forced to sit out the game against Barton through suspension - Jack McMurrough (sent off), and Luke Kitson, James Beaston and Calum Ward (all three picking up their fifth bookings of the season). To fill the gaps, a couple of call-ups from our Development side are expected to be made, more on this to follow.