New chairman hails his predecessor

Ossett Town's new Chairman James Rogers has hailed the work of his predecessor Graham Firth who has stood down at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club.

Rogers, elected unanimously following Firth's decision not seek re-election at the First Division North club's AGM after 28 years at the helm, paid tribute to the work of the former tough tackling full back who first joined the club as a player in the 1950s.

After injury cut short his career, he became Town's first commercial manager and brought pitchside advertising to Ingfield for the first time. Firth is also credited with overseeing the bulding of Town's Prospect Road stand and countless other improvements.

Firth accepted the role of Honorary President this week and Rogers said: "I’m privileged to be taking over from Graham Firth, and delighted that he has accepted the position of honorary president at the club.

"It is positive that Graham continues to be involved in the club and I for one will use his extensive knowledge as I look to follow the work Graham has done and take the club forward."

Firth, who was presented with an engraved decanter by members when he stepped aside to take the new role, said: "My predecessor and club founder, John Carter, tasked me with continuing his work which is to try and provide the best level of senior football in Ossett and District. That is what has motivated me to carry on for 28 years."

Until his election as Chairman, Rogers had led the club's successful junior section since 2007 and is now overseeing a major shake-up of key personnel at Ingfield.

Lee Broadbent has been unveiled as the the club's new Vice chairman and Neil Spofforth as Secretary. John Rankin has been re-instated as Town's Treasurer while Justin Fozzard and Steph Joy are continuing on the Executive Committee. They will be joined by Darren White, Nick Wood, Anne Sherriff and Chris Harrison who were all voted onto the committee at this week's AGM.

Rogers is keen for the club to develop a clear vision for the future and is looking to all members to give whatever time they can to help at the club as they seek to increase the club's membership and fan base.

One of the first tasks will be to create a football sub-committee which will include the managers from the first, reserve and academy teams in effort to develop one vision for football development.