Semley unveiled as new Vikings boss

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Goole AFC unveiled Alan Semley as their new manager on Wednesday.

The former Frickley Athletic and Matlock Town player succeeds Curtis Woodhouse at the First Division South club's Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Woodhouse, 34, resigned on Monday night after nearly a year at the helm, with both the club and the footballer turned boxer citing continuing financial constraints for his decision to stand down.

In a statement announcing Semley's appointment, club officials said they were "delighted" to bring in the UEFA licensed coach who has been working with the youth set-ups at Ossett Town and Frickley this season and is already looking to bring through the next crop of Vikings youngsters.

The club said: "The committee welcomes Alan and his assistants, and hope the style of football that he will bring and promise of developing local talent will help improve the club's prospects."

Semley has brought in his own backroom team of Keith Mackie as his number two and Darren Holmes as a coach. With the trio facing the toughest of starts on Saturday when the Vikings host league leaders Sutton Coldfield Town, Semley is urging fans to get behind the team.

He said: "We look forward to the challenge and the team, along with the coaching staff, will need the on-going support of all Goole AFC fans. We must be positive so the club can look forward for the rest of the season and build from there.

"I am a UEFA licenced coach as is my assistant Keith and with Darren alongside us, we will look to work with the existing squad and add players who have the potential and are eager to play at this level.

"Our background is working with development squads at professional, Evo-Stik League and NCEL clubs and that will have to be the focus for the club this year and beyond. We also hope to create a closer link with the U21/U19 teams as local players, if good enough, will also be vitally important going forward."

Former manager Woodhouse replaced David Holdsworth in January 2014 after stepping up from assistant manager.

The former Sheffield United midfielder went on to play for Birmingham City, Peterborough United, Hull City, Grimsby Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town, Harrogate Town, Eastwood Town and Sheffield FC before moving into management at the latter and famously becoming a professional boxer.

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