Merris successor is old ally

Nicholas moved quickly to replace Merris, pictured, following his switch from the The 4G Voice & Data Stadium on Monday to become assistant manager to new Seadogs boss Steve Kittrick.

Nicholas and former Barnsley academy coach Jones previously worked together at Northern Counties East League Premier Division and former EVO-STIK NPL outfit Garforth Town.

The First Division North club also confirmed the appointment of defender Nick Wood as the club's new vice-captain on Wednesday and said Nicholas "did not think twice" about bringing in Jones despite wanting to continue working successfully with club's existing coaches.

Former York City full-back Merris played for Kittrick when he managed Guiseley before joining the Ingfielders in the summer of 2014.

In a statement on the club's website, officials paid tribute to the Merris family as well as the popular player who'd been an ever present this season and had made a total of 67 appearances and scored twice before his departure.

A spokesman said: "The Merris family as a whole will be missed, not only Dave on the field, as his father Andy has been a regular face at the club, especially this season where he and his wife Jan have often helped out in the directors room providing hospitality to the visiting match and club officials."

Image courtesy of Ossett Town FC

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