CROSSFLATTS Village's new manager got off to a flying start with a 1-0 opening weekend win over Sandy Lane.

Last week, Steve Lewis replaced former managerial duo Oliver Metcalfe and Joe Lunn at the dominate Bradford Sunday Alliance team.

Michael Garnett's 70th-minute effort was the difference between the two sides at the Crossflatts Recreational Ground.

Before the 2019/20 campaign's results were expunged, Premier Division holders Village were top of the table and still in the West Riding County FA Cup, the Senior League Cup and the Keighley FA Sunday Cup.

Lewis hopes to build on the club's current mentality and has already brought in a number of players to bolster his squad.

He said: “I would like to thank the committee for entrusting me with the honour of being manager of this great club for the foreseeable future.

“When the club committee first approached me to discuss the role I was delighted and honoured to be even considered for it.

"It was very clear from the moment we all sat down together that we shared the same principles on how we would take this brilliant football club forward.

“There is an old saying – ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’ and this couldn’t be any more fitting for this club.

"We need to carry on doing what we’ve done in the past and make small improvements along the way to keep ourselves ahead of the chasing pack.”

Lewis added: “We need players that are going to improve the quality of the squad and create competition for places.

"We also need players who are going to fit in with the culture of the club.

"With the news that club legends Luke Richardson and Matthew Morgan are retiring, I felt it was important to make some bold signings to bolster the club.

“24-year-old striker Adam Simpson will add a bit of fire power up front and will form a deadly partnership with Michael Garnett.

"17-year-old centre-back Joel Oxford and 18-year-old utility player James Cox are two players I’ve managed at Steeton; and I believe they will both play huge parts in the future of this club.

“We are also bolstered by the return of former players George Clark, Ryan Jeffery and James Gill.

"I am still hoping to get a few more new players to sign in the coming weeks.”

Metcalfe will skipper the side this season and pleaded with his teammates to get behind their new manager.

He said: “I am honoured to be given the captain’s armband and I cannot wait for the season to get going.

"It’s up to us now. The new gaffer will need a fully committed squad to choose from if we are to make a good fist of it.”

Committee member Les Cooper believes Lewis was always the correct candidate.

He added: “Steve is well known in local footballing circles around our area.

"He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of amateur football.

"He also brings some strong additions to our squad with him.

"He’s done a terrific job wherever he’s managed and lots of the players know and respect him.

"His track record at Thackley's academy, Thackley's reserves and Steeton speaks for itself.

“We believe he is the perfect fit and we are delighted to have him on board. We are really excited about the coming season.”