KELLY EYEING A SWIFT RETURN!

Momentum is on the side of Seadogs

SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC boss Darren Kelly says football’s imminent return is the perfect remedy for his OCD – it means he can plan again!

Kelly led the Seadogs to eighth in the NPL Premier Division last season – the same position reached the campaign before – and were only three points off the play-off places.

It’s fair to say it’s been a tumultuous start to life in north Yorkshire for the former Oldham, FC Halifax and Hyde United boss, since arriving at the Flamingo Land Stadium in December.

But with spirits still high this side of lockdown, the Northern Irishman is just de“We lighted for football to return.

“I came in when the club were 19th and was asked to keep them up,” he told The NLP. “But with the support from the board who have been fantastic throughout and the brilliant fans we came through a tough period with a lot of positivity. We did really well.

“I believe we won our last 11 home games, but our away form needs to be improved.

“For my OCD it’s brilliant being back. I need to know what’s going on and when I can’t plan anything it really irritates me.

“We’ve followed the guidelines strictly so haven’t been back training yet. Our ground is currently closed but we will still have seven weeks to prepare before our first league game.

“We’re more than happy to play eight or nine friendlies and our North Riding Cup semi-final against Marske United will be great to have as a competitive fixture.”

Priority

The Seadogs will begin next season without last year’s top goal scorer James Walshaw, who has moved south to league rivals Buxton.

Kelly, though, is confident that the reformed Football League will once again be a force by the start of the new campaign.

“With the squad we have, I believe we will be up there,” Kelly added. “The budget has been cut due to the pandemic but the togetherness of the supporters, the board and the players has been fantastic. We have done so well during this period. We don’t have a big backer; we can’t compete financially but it’s about keeping the dressing room happy.

“Buxton were looking for a few more of our players but the lads see the club’s ambition want to be part of it. The environment of the club has to be a happy one, that’s the priority.

get around 1000 home fans, sometimes even 1500. It’s just fantastic and the away following is great as well. Who wouldn’t want to walk out and play in front of that?

“From a transfer point of view, we’ll see how we go and will add around four or five players over the next month. I want there to be good competition in a strong squad. The lads need to know it’s not about the name on the back of the shirt but the badge on the front.

“This league is going to be tough, but we’re focusing on us. Let’s just see what will happen, we’re just glad to be back!”