Darren Hepworth has committed himself to managing AFC Emley next season.

The news comes as a boost before the promotion-chasing Northern Counties East League’s club home First Division game against Westella VIP on Saturday.

The fifth-placed Huddersfield side are unbeaten in 15 league games and chasing a fifth straight win.

Hepworth, at the Welfare Ground helm since November 2010, is desperate to lead his charges to the NCEL Premier Division, via one of the two automatic promotion places or through the newly-introduced play-offs.

But AFC Emley, who know their boss has admirers throughout the Northern non-league scene, wanted him to remain in charge regardless of how the current campaign pans out.

Chairman Nigel Wakefield said: “Under Darren the club continues to make great progress on the field.

“It was important to us to give him, his management team and the players a strong vote of confidence in their performance – regardless of promotion or not.”

Hepworth will retain the services of assistant Joe Howson and long-term colleague Patrick Piearcey.

The manager, who has also taken his team, to the fourth round of the NCEL Cup (they host Knaresborough Town on March 23), said: “Although we’re still very much focused on delivering this season, I’m delighted we can already have half an eye on next term.

“This is the strongest squad I’ve ever worked with and I want all of them involved next year.

“This will only help as we try and persuade all the players to carry on the journey we’re on.”

Hepworth’s squad includes prolific scorer Ashley Flynn, who has netted a league record 61 times in all competitions this term.

AFC Emley, founded in 2005 after the original club’s relocation to Wakefield, have been NCEL members since 2006.

Hepworth, who cut his managerial teeth with Cumberworth in the District League and was reserve coach before taking the top job at the Welfare Ground, guided them to a best-ever final position of fifth last season.

Saturday’s visitors Westella, from Barton-upon-Humber, are 16th and aiming to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

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