Yorkshire Amateur have appointed former Selby Town and Doncaster Belles RTC coach Tom Shepherd as their new goalkeeping coach.
Shepherd initiated current Ammers goalkeeper Aidan Smith’s previous transfer to Selby Town from FC Humber, spotting the ‘keeper during the two teams’ period ground sharing, says the new ‘keeper coach.
Shepherd says he learnt a lot from Belles manager Andy Butler during their working relationship at Doncaster Belles, admitting he was in “awe” of “Mr Doncaster”.
“He’d [Butler] build a close relationship with all of his players, and the knowledge he has for the game – he was a massive help,” explained Shepherd of Butler.
“He’d ask for input from my sessions”.
Shepherd continues to seek improvements in ‘keeper Smith’s development, having assisted the current Ammers stopper with a previous move to Selby Town.
The new ‘keeper coach also wants competition for the number one jersey from all of his stoppers.
“Aidan was quality for FC Humber when we [Selby] played against them. We were looking for a ‘keeper and I recommended Aidan, who then came. I want to continue to develop his maturity and understanding of the game.
“My aim is to get the other goalkeeper’s wanting the number one jersey. I hope to also get them game time, whether it be with the u23s or u21s.
“I also want to learn more about coaching outfield players, get involved with sessions with Mark, Emeel and Liam, to develop myself as a coach”.
The Ammers played their sixth ‘keeper this season, on Saturday, Ahsin Rashid making his debut due to an injury to Luke Mitchell in mid-week, who replaced the injured Aidan Smith.
With no transfer market in the NCEL, Shepherd says he is used to working with different ‘keepers during a season, often seeing new faces in team training every few weeks.
“I just get on with the sessions. I plan sessions a couple of days in advance and find out the numbers I’m working with so I can adapt.
Most NCEL clubs only have one or two ‘keepers.
The Ammers’ new ‘keeper coach and current manager Mark Maspero have been in opposing dugouts on several occasions previously with both men at other clubs.
Shepherd’s playing career involved appearances for Dulwich Hamlet, Islington and Weston-Super-Mare.