Ossett Town - Press Statement

The club’s Executive Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Black as the new manager of Ossett Town. Black will have a watching brief on Tuesday evening as the Reds take on Evo-Stik Premier Division side Darlington 1883 in the Integro Doodson League Cup before taking on the reigns for the first time as the side travel to Burscough on Saturday.

The club received over 20 applicants for the role and out of four good candidates invited for interview Black was the unanimous choice of the committee after settling out his proposals and ambitions as manager of Ossett Town AFC. Black comes with a wealth of experience and contacts in the professional and non-league game and his last role prior to this appointment was as assistant manager at Matlock Town working with Mark Hume.

On joining Matlock Town, a side adrift at the bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier Division he assisted Hume to help the Derbyshire based side to a comfortable 12 place finish and success in the Derbyshire Cup.

James Rogers, Chairman of Ossett Town said of the appointment: “Grant was up against some very good candidates, but his confident manner and clear vision for the future of the club meant that he was unanimously selected from the candidates available to be appointed as manager. I would like to thank Matlock Town for their willingness to not stand in Black’s way has he begins his own management career and I, along with the rest of the committee, look forward to working with our new manager.”

Black started his career at Barnsley FC between 2000 and 2003 followed by Harrogate Town (2003-2004), Stalybridge Celtic (2004-2006), Buxton FC (20016-2013), Bradford Park Avenue (2012-2014), North Ferriby (2014-15) and Matlock Town (2015 to present).

Grant Black added “I am delighted to be given this opportunity, I have been looking to take the step into management but wanted to wait for the right opportunity before making the leap. Obviously it is going to be a difficult run in to the end of the season, but I believe the club has more than enough opportunity to remain in this division this season and then kick on up the table next season.

I would like to put on record my thanks to Matlock Town and Mark Hume for the time we have been together. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career, I can’t wait to get started”