Run of reverses ends Nicholas era

11 Feb 2016 By David Watters

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Ossett Town have parted company with manager Graham Nicholas.

The Ingfielders, third from bottom and just two points above the First Division North drop zone, relieved Nicholas of his duties at lunchtime on Thursday.

Former Burnley and Leeds United coach John Francis, appointed last season as the club's reserve team boss, has been asked to look after first team affairs for Saturday's home league fixture against Radcliffe Borough and next Tuesday night's visit from Darlington in the third round of the Integro Doodson League Cup.

As the hunt began to appoint his successor at the 4G Voice & Data Stadium, Ossett Town chairman James Rogers paid tribute to Nicholas who took over at the end of October as the successor to John Reed after standing down as Garforth Town boss.

Rogers said: “It's very unfortunate that things haven't worked out under Graham's leadership. I'd like to thank Graham for all his efforts and wish him the very best for the future.”

In his first game at the helm, Nicholas guided Town to a 2-0 win over Goole AFC in the Integro Doodson League Cup before securing a 1-1 draw with Brighouse Town in his side's first league outing. Apart from another Integro Doodson League Cup win over Spennymoor Town last month, his side had lost all eight of their league outings during his reign.

Image courtesy of www.nonleagueyorkshire.com

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Where next?

Reid walks away from leaders Shaun Reid has left EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division North leaders Warrington Town.

Wednesday's First Division North action review The only game in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North on Wednesday night saw second-placed Northwich Victoria reduce the deficit on leaders Warrington Town to eight points, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.