Michael Nelson backs Park View youngsters to shine next season

Park View head coach Michael Nelson is excited by what could lie ahead for the young players at his disposal ahead of the new Northern League season.

There were high hopes Nelson’s side could secure a play-off spot in the league’s second tier for the second consecutive season as they took their push for a top five spot into the final weeks of the campaign. However, collecting just one point from their last three games against Tow Law Town, Chester-le-Street Town and Billingham Town meant a play-off place remained well out of reach when the final whistle was blown on the campaign last month.

Nelson pointed to shortcomings in the final third as a reason for falling short - but stressed his focus will remain on further progress next season and offering young players an opportunity to shine in a bid to catch the eye of clubs higher up the football food chain.

He told The Echo: “We didn’t do enough in the attacking areas. Defensively, we were brilliant. I think we had the fewest goals conceded in Division Two and we conceded fewer goals than every Division One side except Guisborough Town, the champions. We did really well and that’s not just the back four and goalkeeper. But it was disappointing to miss out on the play-offs - but with the academy, we became back-to-back national champions and we have some good young players coming through. The next step is trying to get someone into the pro game and we have a few lads, a couple in particular, who have attracted a little bit of interest and that’s why we are in it. We want to develop players and allow them to get a career in the professional game.”

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