Delayed debut for new boss

Graham Nicholas will take charge of Ossett Town for the first time in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Integro Doodson Sport Cup at Goole in mid-November after being named as John Reed's successor on Wednesday.

Nicholas, pictured, is stepping down at Garforth Town to replace veteran boss Reed who left the 4G Voice & Data Stadium last Saturday within hours of his side's 1-1 draw with Kendal Town in First Division North.

Before taking the helm against the Vikings on Tuesday November 10, Nicholas, who leaves Garforth in eighth spot in the Northern Counties East League's Premier Division table, will guide the former EVO-STIK NPL club for one last time when they host Hebburn in the FA Vase on Saturday.

Nicholas will make his home debut in the dugout four days letter when local rivals Brighouse Town arrive in league action on Saturday 14 November.

Northwich Victoria's run in the FA Cup is to blame for his delayed debut as the clubs were originally due to meet on Saturday November 7, FA Cup First Round proper day.

In a statement announcing his arrival, the Ingfielders said they were "delighted" to appoint the UEFA A licensed coach who joined Garforth Town in the summer of 2013 following their relegation from First Division North.

Briefed to begin re-building, Nicholas guided them to two mid-table finishes on limited resources and also to the final of last season’s West Riding County Cup and a narrow defeat at the hands of Conference North outfit Bradford Park Avenue.

Ossett Town chairman James Rogers said: “After the departure of John Reed we sat down and considered what qualities we wanted in the next manager of this football club. Graham is a highly respected and ambitious young manager and was the unanimous choice of the selection panel to be installed as Ossett Town's new manager.

"Graham will work closely with the coaching staff we already have in place, with Dave Merris continuing in his role of assistant manager and John Francis as development coach”.

Nicholas said: “This is a job I have been looking at for some time and I am delighted to be joining the team at Ossett Town. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Garforth Town but I am an ambitious manager and want to test myself at the highest possible level.

"Ossett Town is a great club run by good and committed people and I will be inheriting a good squad of players many of whom I know well. I will though want to put my own stamp of things and can’t wait to get started.”

Merris, who is backing the club's new manager and looking forward to combining, added: "Graham is a young enthusiastic manager who has proven himself at Garforth by creating a successful style of football. We both seem to have the same ambitions for Ossett Town and I look forward to working along side him and progressing the club forward."

Image courtesy of www.nonleagueyorkshire.com

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/

Where next?

New owners haven't lost their edge! As part of the build-up to the start of the eagerly awaited documentary on the takeover of EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Salford City by five members of Manchester United's Class of 92, the BBC is releasing exclusive footage for fans online.
Wednesday's Premier Division action review Blyth Spartans returned to the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division table after winning 2-0 at the Turnbull Ground against struggling Whitby Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Match centre

Northern Premier League - Premier
Northern Premier League - East
Northern Premier League - Midlands
Northern Premier League - West

Latest photos

The Pitching In Northern Premier League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe