Tracey wins 'unanimous' backing

Former Football League striker Richard Tracey is the new manager of Ossett Albion.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Unicorns announced the 33-year-old's promotion from caretaker to permanent manager on Friday following a meeting of the club's directors who gave him their 'unanimous' backing to lead them into next season.

The former Sheffield United, Carlisle United, Rotherham United, Macclesfield Town and Scarborough forward, pictured, took over at Dimple Wells at the start of March following the departure of the First Division South's club's previous management team of Lloyd Fellows, Paul Watson and Phil Thompson. They left by 'mutual agreement' following a run of just one win in 18 games so left the club battling relegation.

With the help of Steve Nicholson, the former Wakefield FC manager and another senior player, Tracey has been steadily turning around the club's fortunes, almost banishing any lingering relegation fears in recent weeks with the club picking up points.

Due to work commitments, Nicholson has declined an offer to continue as part of the management team but is hoping to stay on at the club to coach when possible. Albion Chairman Stephen Hanks believes Tracey, who went on to play in Non-League at Bradford Park Avenue, Belper Town, Frickley Athletic, Ossett Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels, has earned his chance and can be a great success.

Hanks said: "The board has been delighted with the progress made since Richard along with Steven Nicholson took over as caretaker managers and the decision was unanimous. When they took over as interim managers, Richard and Steven inherited an excellent squad thanks mainly to the hard work of their predecessors Lloyd Fellows, Paul Watson and Phil Thompson.

"They have built on that solid base and have steered Albion to the verge of safety from relegation so the board had no hesitation in appointing Richard on a permanent basis. We would also like to thank Steven Nicholson for all the hard work he put in with Richard. Steven will still be involved with coaching but unfortunately due to pressure of work he can’t commit to the position full time."

Tracey, a full-time PE teacher at St Wilfrid's Catholic High School, said: "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to manage a club of Ossett Albion's stature and delighted to accept the position. I inherited a very good squad from my predecessors and I would like to thank them for all the hard work they put in building that squad.

"I'd also like to thank Steve Nicholson for his invaluable expertise and assistance during the last few weeks, the players for the way they have supported us during this very difficult period and the Ossett Albion board for giving me this opportunity."

Picture: John Hirst