AFC EMLEY have put former Barnsley striker Alan Semley in charge of their new Under 19 team.

The UEFA B Level 3 qualified coach led Frickley Athletic to title success in last season’s Northern Alliance – the league the Huddersfield side have applied to join.

Emley hope to be confirmed as members at the Alliance’s annual meeting on June 28, and believe Semley, who also played for Frickley, Matlock, Ossett Town and Worsbrough Bridge, is the man to lead them forward.

The Alliance had 23 members teams playing in three divisions last season. Frickley won the Central section.

Pre-season training is under way for Emley’s first team ahead of a Northern Counties East League First Division campaign which starts on Saturday, August 4.

Sessions will take place at Scissett Middle School each Tuesday and Thursday evening (7.30).

Manager Darren Hepworth said: “We had 53 at the opening session, which was a great turn-out.

“We are keen to make a positive start this season and I decided to bring the lads in a little earlier than normal to work on their fitness.

“There has been a good mixture of new faces with the established squad and I’ve been particularly impressed by the quality of some of the younger lads.”

Confirmed friendlies (all 7.45) are: Staveley MW (home) Tuesday, July 17, Ossett Town (home) Friday, July 20, Worksop Parramore (home) Tuesday, July 24, Brighouse Town (home) Tuesday, July 31 (7.45).

Former Doncaster and Frickley player Wayne Noteman is the new manager of Emley’s NCE First Division rivals Yorkshire Amateur.