Tough-tackling midfielder Danny Patterson has left Ossett Town and joined Shaw Lane Aquaforce along with Gary Stohrer
Craig Elliott has made his mark as the new Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager by signing four new players – including two from his old club Ossett Town.
Gary Stohrer and midfielder Danny Patterson have joined Elliott in dropping two divisions to move to the Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion contenders.
Pacey striker James Burgess, who played for Guiseley at the start of the season, and fellow forward Shane Kelsey have also signed on the dotted line. Kelsey, a former player of both Ossett clubs, joins from neighbours and Division rivals Worsbrough Bridge.
On the two new recruits from his old club, who appointed John Reed as their new manager this morning, Elliott said: “Danny is a massive signing.
“When I was Glasshoughton manager in the NCEL and we played against Danny he was always a star performer.
“With Danny it is not just what he brings on the pitch, but it is also what he brings off-the-pitch.
“Gary has been a revelation for Ossett since we signed him (from Garforth Town) a few months ago. I’ve said that any player we bring in has to take us to the next level and have to be better than what we have.
“I hope they make a big difference, but we have to gel as a team. In my early days at Ossett Town I made a few signings that didn’t gel, but it is up to us to make it work.
“I appreciate Ossett letting them go. I spoke to Reidy this morning and he was happy to.”
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott, who has signed four players this week and released three
Alongside signing four new faces, Elliott has also released three players and recruited a head coach.
Veteran striker Jason Price, defender Dom Noteman and midfielder Tom Claisse have been let go as Elliott looks to reshape the Aquaforce squad.
Ex-Liversedge boss Sean Regan has been appointed as head coach and will join Elliott and his assistant Daz Smith in the dugout for the trip to bottom-placed Louth Town tomorrow.
Elliott’s departure from Ossett and arrival at Shaw Lane, combined with the signings and departures have ensured a packed five days and he is looking forward to returning to a normal schedule.
“It has been a crazy week and I’ll be glad when we get back to normality,” he said.
“Telling Ossett (I was leaving) and speaking with meeting with the Shaw Lane people and then the logistics of signing and releasing players have made it really busy.
“I’ve spent an unbelievable amount of time on the phone and I’m probably in need of a divorce more than anything else.
“And without even taking charge of a match, things have got even harder because Bottesford and Cleethorpes won in midweek.
“I went to watch Bottesford on Wednesday and they look like a strong team. But, I know it is a cliché but we are going to take each game as it comes.”
Elliott was also pleased to see his former manager Reed be appointed as his successor at Ossett.
Elliott won the old NPL Division One title with Reed at Harrogate Town along with the NCEL Premier Division title at Hatfield Main in 1996 and he has a lot of respect for him.
“A lot of my managerial instincts come from him and I tried to copy a lot of the stuff he does in the dressing room,” he added.
“He’s the best manager I have worked under at Hatfield Main, Harrogate Town and Goole.
“I think it is a great decision by Ossett. His record stands up for itself.”