No rush to replace double act

Ossett Albion say they won't be rushed into replacing management duo Lloyd Fellows and Paul Watson who left Dimple Wells by mutual agreement on Thursday.

After 20 months in charge at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club, the pair, along with head coach Phil Thompson, left with immediate effect.

The pair took over from long-serving manager Eric Gilchrist and despite an excellent FA Cup run this season that saw the Unicorns reach the FA Cup's Fourth Qualifying Round with away victories at North Ferriby United and Conference North Hinckley United, they were unable to transfer that form into league action and left with Albion languishing second bottom of Evo-Stik NPL First Division North table and just one point ahead of safety.

In a statement released by Ossett Albion Chairman Stephen Hanks, he confirmed the departures and appointment of senior players Richard Tracey and Steve Nicholson as caretaker managers until further notice. The pair took charge of first team affairs ahead of midweek training when Albion's players were also informed.

Hanks says they've been given a straightforward task, steer the club to safety, and also revealed that the new duo at the helm could be in the mix to replace Fellows and Watson permanently as the hunt got underway to find their successor or successors.

Albion's Chairman also paid a warm tribute to the club's outgoing management team. He said: "The management team have done an excellent job during their tenure including a thrilling FA Cup run for which we will be eternally grateful. They leave the club structure in an excellent state with the U19 and reserve teams thriving. The club is also at it’s strongest socially for a number of years.

"Ossett Albion would like to place on record their gratitude to Lloyd, Paul and Phil for all the dedication and hard work they have put into the club often in very stressful conditions. They have built an excellent platform at the club that is seeing players progress from U17 level right through to the first team. We wish them every success in their future careers."