Division One champions Dodworth MW are looking to dominate the Premier Division in the coming years before moving into the Northern Counties East League, says their manager Darren Millington.
Dodworth’s 1-1 home draw against High Green Villa meant they could no longer be caught by second-placed Hepworth United, following up their promotion from Division Two last season in their first year in the league. The Barnsley club have dominated the division, winning 18 of their 21 matches and scoring 68 goals, although their worst form has come in recent weeks as they followed wins in their first 16 games with eight points from their most recent five fixtures.
While running his former business Earth Mortgages, Millington was a sponsor of Rotherham United, who he once almost bought, and board member of Doncaster Rovers. He has dropped down into a different level of football as a manager with Dodworth and is hoping to make them one of the best non-league clubs in Barnsley.
He said: “What the lads have done in the last two seasons is nothing less than exceptional and I am very proud. “We wanted to get into the Premier Division in three years and we have done it in two so we are ahead of schedule. Next season we will be looking for a top four finish at least, but there is no reason why we can’t aim to win it. “We’ll keep this whole squad but add three or four for a bit more depth. We want to emulate what Athersley Rec used to do by regularly winning the Premier Division title and cups as well.”
Dodworth are planning to improve the facilities at the Miners Welfare ground with the hope of eventually joining Barnsley neighbours Worsbrough Bridge, Athersley Rec and Penistone Church in the Northern Counties Premier League. He said: "The NCEL is the ultimate goal and the plan is to get there within four years. We are improving our changing rooms and adding a pathway around the pitch and we are in the process of securing funding for the bigger things such as floodlights. I think once we get to the NCEL, my job will be done. Dodworth will have a really good non-league club and I can take can a bit of a step back.”
