Morris named as new Vikings boss

10 Feb 2016 By David Watters

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League hot-shot Lee Morris is the new manager of Goole AFC.

The veteran striker, pictured, stood down as Craig Elliott's playing number two at Shaw Lane Aquaforce to succeed Alan Semley at the Vikings on Wednesday night.

Former Barnsley striker Semley left the First Division South strugglers on Sunday after just over a year at the helm following his side's 1-1 draw on Saturday with bottom-markers Tividale at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Morris, 33, kicked off his touchline career at the Ducks two years ago, leaving Buxton after bagging 47 goals in 97 appearances to drop down two rungs of the Non-League ladder for a playing and coaching role as Elliott's assistant manager.

Departed boss Alan Semley

The former Hallam, Buxton, Droyslden, Frickley Athletic, Hucknall Town, Harrogate Town, North Ferriby and Stalybridge Celtic striker subsequently went on to play a key role in the South Yorkshire club's Northern Counties East Football League triumph and promotion into the EVO-STIK NPL.

In a statement announcing his appointment, the Vikings said interim boss Kevin Graham would take charge of team affairs on Saturday at Chasetown with Morris opting to watch his new charges in action for the first time from the stands before formally taking over next week.

The Vikings are backing their new manager to be a success in his first post and lead them to survival after a winless run stretching back nine game that has left them hovering a single point and one place above the drop zone.

A spokesman said: "Goole AFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Morris as our new first team manager. Lee has had a fantastic playing career, predominantly in the Northern Premier League and more recently as assistant manager at Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

"His enthusiasm and determination shone through at his interview and his knowledge of the game at this level is superb. Having spoken to people who have managed Lee as a player, it left us in no doubt that he has all the credentials needed to succeed.

"His first remit of course will be to help us retain our league status and assemble a squad to progress next year. Lee will also work closely with our development squad and U18's managers in developing the club as a whole."

Image courtesy of www.nonleagueyorkshire.com

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/

Where next?

Wednesday's First Division North action review The only game in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North on Wednesday night saw second-placed Northwich Victoria reduce the deficit on leaders Warrington Town to eight points, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Tuesday's Premier Division action review Blyth Spartans moved five points clear at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division table on Tuesday night thanks to a 1-0 win at Croft Park over Ilkeston FC, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.