Reed wins race for relegated hot-shot

John Reed believes his Ossett Town side can pull off a few surprises in the new EVO-STIK League campaign after winning the race for striker Rob Bordman.

The hot-shot, pictured after signing for Reed on Sunday, was being chased by a number of EVO-STIK League and Conference clubs over the summer thanks to his haul of 29 goals in 30 games for relegated Wakefield last season.

In a statement released by the club announcing his arrival, Reed said he delighted to have secured the services of the free-scoring striker for the upcoming First Division North campaign.

Reed said: "Rob’s record speaks for itself. To score 29 goals in a struggling side in a league as tough as ours is a massive achievement. I am more than happy with the side I am putting together for the new season, the heart of the team looks strong and to add Rob up top means I am sure we will surprise a few sides this year.”

Fans will have their first opportunity to see Bordman and the rest of Reed’s summer recruits in action next Saturday when they travel to Glossop North End and then in the first of three home friendlies on Tuesday 22 July when Bradford City XI arrive at Ingfield for a 7.30pm kick-off.

Bordman can’t wait to get started after a summer of trips around the north of England talking to clubs. Amazingly, he only started playing in Non-League last season to "help out" but the experience has left him wanting more success and he believes he has found the right club.

He said: "I’m really pleased to get sorted for the new season, the club has a bounce about it and appears to be a good family and community club and that is what I was looking for.

"I was managing a club at the start of last season and was asked to help Wakefield out when they were short. I ended up starting the game and went on to score the winner and was asked to stay on.

"I only played 29 games for the club as I started the season late and also missed a few games through suspension. With preseason behind me, and by cutting out the silly sending’s off as they probably cost me the league’s golden boot, I am looking to better last season’s tally of 29 goals.

"My first impression of John Reed is good, he seems a genuine manager and what I class as old school. What I have found is he understands there are so many different styles of players in the game and it is all about getting the best out of each individual."

He added: "Hopefully we can cause some upsets this year, it is a strong league again, maybe stronger than last season, I think we can do well as underdogs."