Clive Freeman is back in football as the assistant manager of Ossett Town
Joining Ossett Town was a case of right club, right time for new assistant manager Clive Freeman.
Freeman teamed up with John Reed for the third time two weeks ago when the pair were appointed at Evo Stik Division One North outfit Ossett to replace Craig Elliott.
The former Bradford (Park Avenue) and Guiseley assistant fulfilled the same role for Reed at Buxton and then Goole until October 2012.
Freeman was keen to return to the game and when Elliott left for Shaw Lane Aquaforce, it seemed like the perfect moment.
“It wasn’t life or death (in terms of getting into the game), but I’m a football man and I love my football,” he said.
“I live five minutes away, I was getting on my wife’s nerves and I was spending too much money going to watch Leeds home and away and it seemed like a good opportunity.
“With John there is not many people I would come back to work with. John is one of them. I’ve worked with some great lads, Trevor Storton god bless him and my old mate (Phil Sharpe) Sharpey and Pars.
“It was a good opportunity to get back into it and I spoke to Neil Parsley and asked him what Ossett was like and he said: ‘they’re a good side are Ossett, Clive, they gave us a good game’.
“I didn’t want to come into it blind and without being too disrespectful, but when we went to Goole it was a sinking ship and in hindsight it was the wrong place to go.
“If Ossett had been in a relegation battle then I may have thought twice about it. Not that I’m not up for a relegation battle. But, this is a great opportunity.
“Ossett has always been a nice club. I’ve been coming here to play here for a long time. They haven’t had the nicest times over the last few years and it would be nice to try and put a smile on people’s faces if we can.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Clive Freeman has assisted John Reed at three clubs – Buxton, Goole and now Ossett Town
Freeman had an illustrious playing career which began at Harrogate Town in the mid-1980s. Spells with Farsley Celtic, Swansea City and Bridlington Town where he was managed by Reed.
He moved onto Gerry Quinn’s Altrincham where he enjoyed his greatest moment. His stunning strike against Chester City in the FA Cup was captured on film (video below and clip at 5.25 minutes) and won the November 1992 goal of the month competition on Match of the Day.
His career then took him to Doncaster Rovers, back to Farsley and then to Park Avenue. In his first spell at Horsfall Stadium, Freeman assisted Trevor Storton alongside his playing duties.
He departed in 1999 and would go onto be Neil Parsley’s number two at Guiseley before a return to Avenue in 2006 to assist Phil Sharpe.
After leaving Avenue he helped Reed at Buxton and Goole before his 18 month exile and Freeman admits he has bided his time in looking for a comeback.
“Yes I’ve had a couple (of offers), but my son Charlie is 14 now and showing a bit of promise so I’ve been taking him to training a lot,” he said.
“I’m a big Leeds fan so I have been going to watch them. The worst they get the more I seem to become a fan.
“I’ve looked a couple of jobs and thought they’re not for me. Work has been tough so I’ve had to make a decision and say they weren’t the right roles.
“I could have gone to Scarborough with John and then Ossett Albion this season which I turned down as well.”
Ossett visit Radcliffe Borough tomorrow.