STEETON manager Roy Mason says is determined to keep his goal machine Kayle Price, as he looks ahead to next season.

Striker Price was the bright spark of Steeton’s campaign as his 34 goals also saw him win the golden boot in the North West Counties League Division One North.

He was a big part of what the Chevrons did this season, scoring almost half of their 78 goals from their 36 league games, as they finished 12th in the table.

 

Now Mason says he wants to make sure Price remains at Marley Stadium for another term despite the threat of possible suitors for the striker’s services during pre-season.

Mason said: “Kayle Price is a big part of what we are planning to do.

“I’m delighted for Kayle. I’m really pleased for the lad that he scored 34 goals. I always knew he was a talent.

“At the start of the season I challenged him to get 20 goals. He hit that target by December time. Then I said to him ‘let’s kick on and get you 30 goals’.

“It’s entirely down to his hard work. He is always one of those players that likes to stay behind and work on things after training.

“We desperately want to keep him at the club. We can progress next season.

“Football is football and Kayle will get some offers. He had some offers this current season. Around four or five times he could have left us.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Steeton manager Roy Mason, right, pictured with midfielder Tom Robinson, is already looking ahead to next season. Picture: Chris Jones Steeton manager Roy Mason, right, pictured with midfielder Tom Robinson, is already looking ahead to next season. Picture: Chris Jones

“If Kayle goes, then he goes with our blessing. I’m quite confident we can keep him.

“We have never been afraid to give young players an opportunity at Steeton.

“The average age of the quad we have had this season has been very young.

“Next season we need that little bit more experience to help the younger players through.

“My advice for younger players has always been to find a club where we can play.

“We want to add that little bit of experience.”

Mason says plans for pre-season are already in place, with a number of fixtures lined up for friendlies.

Steeton have announced four friendlies so far. They will host Barnoldswick Town on July 2. This will be followed by a home clash with Silsden on July 16.

Mason’s men then host Radcliffe FC on July 19, which will be followed by a trip to Squires Gate FC four days later.

He added: “We finished our season on April 2. The players will be back in for pre-season training in mid-June with the season due to start at the end of July.

“We already have our plans in place. You never full have a break. There are always things to do.

“We will look at strengthening the squad. We finished this season really strongly. Some of the best football we played came at the end of the season.

“On our day we can beat anybody in this league.

“We also have a playing surface at Marley that lends itself to a good brand of football.”

 

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Townend’s strike against Ashton Town from March has been named as Steeton’s goal of the season.

Town’s thunderous strike from the edge of the 18-yard box won the title following a vote on social media.