NCEL: Knaresborough Town prepare to shake squad up

Carole, the former Monaco, Leeds United and Brighton winger, left to join Simon Weaver’s side on Saturday hours before Knaresborough’s 2-1 home defeat to Pontefract Collieries.

Davey said that the Frenchman had been a ‘good lad’ for Knaresborough and he will be looking to bolster his side with a new signing before Saturday’s away fixture against Rossington Main.

He said: “Seb told me he was training with Harrogate and, if he gets in the team and gets a good run of games, it will be good for him.

“We said last week that we needed to get rid of two or three players. We are talking to a couple of clubs this week but we need to release one or two players.

“We need to make sure our squad numbers are okay. We are trying to bring in a player for Saturday but, until we find out, we don’t want to say too much yet.”

Davey’s side lost a ninth consecutive home game at Manse Lane on Saturday against Collieries after conceding two first-half goals.

Goals from Craig Rouse in the 21st minute and Dean Wharam 90 seconds later leave Davey’s men 15th in Division One after 18 games.

Luke McCrum made his first start for Knaresborough Town, after being called up from the academy, and pulled Davey’s side back into the game after 59 minutes.

However, despite coming close with another header soon after as well as Mitch Hamilton squandering vital chances, Knaresborough could not find an equaliser.

The defeat means Knaresborough have failed to pick up three points at Manse Lane since the opening day of the season when Carole scored the winner against Hallam.

Davey said: “In the first half we could not get a touch of the ball and they were far better but in the second half it was like we were a different team and we were outstanding.

“Our biggest problem this season is that we have had too many players out injured. We were having to play players like Colin Heath who were not fully fit but we have players coming back and there are no excuses now.

“Two weeks ago it was not a good time for the club but things are starting to get better.

“At home I think it is a case of nerves. We don’t play too well at home but we have the highest crowds every week and some of the lads might be a bit intimidated by that.”

Davey’s side travel to Rossington Main on Saturday.