Steven Jeff was happy to step in and manage Ossett Town following the departure of Craig Elliott
Ossett Town caretaker player/manager Steven Jeff is happy holding the reins while the club decide who will succeed Craig Elliott.
The former Tadcaster Albion left-back was in charge for the 3-3 draw with New Mills last night at Ingfield following Elliott’s dramatic departure to Shaw Lane Aquaforce on Monday.
Ossett hope to confirm Elliott’s replacement before the trip to Cammell Laird on Saturday, but club chairman James Rogers has revealed that if necessary a decision may be delayed until next week.
Jeff was pleased with how receptive the players were with him and is comfortable in the role, which he admits is difficult.
“The club didn’t want to appoint anyone within a short amount of time,” 28-year-old Jeff said.
“They want to take their time and appoint the right person which you have to respect. To see one game out and remain undefeated you have would have taken that.
“I’d be happy to take charge again on Saturday if the club don’t appoint before then. The lads were great. They listened and did what I asked.
“It wasn’t easy, especially when selecting the team. I left a couple of the lads out and that wasn’t easy. I left Joel (Hughes) out, but I felt Ryan (Williams) had that extra little bit of pace about him.
“Playing and managing also makes it hard because you’re looking around thinking ‘how can we make things better’ while at the same time trying to think ‘well how am I actually playing?’.
“I’m glad to have had the opportunity (to manage the team) and thanks go to the lads for being good sports.”
Jeff agreed to take charge on Monday evening a couple of hours after the shock news of Elliott’s appointment at Aquaforce.
Elliott has dropped two divisions to become the promotion-chasing Shaw Lane’s manager and Jeff was surprised by the development.
“I obviously heard the news when someone from the club rang and I said I would help in any way I could and that’s what happened,” he said.
“It is just bit strange Craig leaving. I can see why Craig has gone, personally when we are in such a good position and having a great season I would have liked him to stay and seen it out to see how well we could do.
“I was a bit stunned with the news, especially with the drop in the levels. I wish him all the best though. I texted him to wish him all the best and he said ‘thank you’.”
Interviews for the vacant post began yesterday and as of last night five people have been interviewed.
A host of managers have been linked with the job and Jeff, who has no intention of applying for the role, added: “We’re all waiting to see who the club will appoint and seeing what they’re all about and their plans,” he said.
“I’d like to see someone who is a bit passionate and wants us to do our best and play the right way and someone who is constructive with their criticism and doesn’t just shout at us. Craig was constructive.”