History 3 of 3

3. History 3


Simon Clifford who ran the Brazilian Soccer Schools then took over as owner of the Club and after a shaky start to the 2004/05 season took over as manager guiding the club to promotion back to the NCEL Premier - the 1st step of his ambition to take Town all the way up the football pyramid. The season also saw The Miners take the National limelight with former Brazilian International Socrates making his Garforth Town debut, alongside former Manchester United player Lee Sharpe.

In 2006/07 Garforth formed a major three-year sponsorship deal with GENIX, which also included the Stadium name changed to THE GENIX HEALTHCARE STADIUM. Clifford also led Garforth to his second promotion in three years. For the first time in the club’s history Town reached Step Four of the National League System and entered the newly formed UniBond League Division One North.

Seasons 2008/09 & 2009/10 saw Town’s league position stabilize, however they were more successful in cup competitions; victorious in the West Riding County Senior Cup in both seasons. Town finished a creditable 13th in season 2010/11, the highlight being a famous victory in the last game of the season over 1st Division North Champions, Chester in front of their record highest crowd of 2428. 2011/12 saw Town under manager Steve Nichol reach their highest league finish when a final day victory over Skelmersdale Utd resulted in a 5th place finish and a trip to Curzon Ashton in the play-offs. However despite being the better side, Town bowed out on penalties.

A disastrous season followed in 2012/13 with the resignation of Nichol and disbanding of the first team squad resulting in Town being relegated back to the NCEL Premier Division. 2013 saw Simon Clifford’s ownership came to an end, and a new Management Committee was formed with a major sponsorship from RIASA assisting with the rebuilding process. Graham Nicholas, a UEFA ‘A’ qualified coach, was appointed as 1st Team Manager and a new playing squad was formed. For the 2013/14 campaign the Club aimed to avoid a second successive relegation and achieve stability on and off the field. With the support of RIASA and the hard work and support of all involved this was achieved, a league finish of 14th was recorded and the club on a much sounder footing going into its 50th Anniversary year.