Ossett Town forward Calum Ward
Ossett Town boss Craig Elliott hopes Calum Ward can replicate the success of Jimmy Eyles, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Eyles was plucked from Toolstation NCEL Premier Division strugglers Nostell Miners Welfare last season and proved to be a revelation at Ingfield.
Ward arrived from Glasshoughton Welfare ten days ago and Elliott said: “I think it (signing Ward) is a no-brainer.
“I’m always after signing an unknown talent and he’s 20-year-old and he was leading goalscorer (of the NCEL) at the time when I approached him.
“I looked at his stats from last season when he was at Taddy and I like to take gambles on young players and it is a similar situation to when I signed Jimmy Eyles.
“We’ve given Calum an opportunity and the rest is up to him. If he comes in and hits the ground running like Jimmy did and a few others have done then he’s going to have a good future.”
Jimmy Eyles
Ward was released by Tadcaster Albion boss Paul Marshall in the summer and the striker went onto to score 15 times for Glasshoughton under Rob Hunter and Mark Smitheringale.
Elliott had watched Ward play on a few occasions and was impressed.
“I’ve seen him play at Glasshoughton twice and I saw him briefly last year at Tadcaster,” he added.
“I’ve also got a few ex-Tadcaster players who I asked about Calum’s attitude and other things.
“For a young player he’s really strong on the ball and good with his back to goal. I also like his hunger to try and get on the end of chances.
“Although he didn’t score against Warrington, I thought he had an excellent game. He was against two very established and experienced players and he gave as good as he got.”