Mark’s got the inside track with the Amateurs

By Hugo Varley

MANAGER: Mark Maspero

NEW Yorkshire Amateur boss Mark Maspero believes he has a key advantage in taking over at the Step 5 club.

The former Scunthorpe United coach arrives at Bracken Edge with the added bonus of being familiar with much of the first-team squad currently on the books at the Ammers.

Maspero is close to several players from his time working as academy manager at Farsley Celtic and he’s hoping this will allow him to immediately hit the ground running.

“The fact I knew and enjoyed working with the players was definitely a big factor,” began the new Yorkshire Amateur boss.

“We’ve not had a lot of preparation at all so what I’ll be looking for is players that listen and can follow instruction.

“I’m looking for players who are good individuals but can play within a team set-up and play for the team, follow team instructions.

“We may need a few more experienced, older heads to compete better at this level but that’s further down the line. Let’s see how these players handle the next few weeks and we’ll go from there.”

Yorkshire Amateur are beginning life back in Northern Counties East Premier Division this season following demotion last year.

The Ammers ended up with a respectable mid-table finish in the Northern Premier League Division One East but were forced to drop down a tier after failing to meet ground grading requirements.

They are looking for a quick return to Step 4 and Maspero is hoping his unique philosophy will pay dividends.

“My values are the same I’m going to instill in the players,” he stated.

“It’s about listening and working hard, I enjoy it, I know how to build relationships, treat people.

“I enjoy being part of the players’ journeys and seeing them progress.”