Ossett Town boss John Reed says there is a lot of repair work to do for next season
John Reed claims his task at Ossett Town is bigger than the one he faced at Harrogate Town over a decade ago.
Reed won the old Evo Stik Division One North title in 2002 with Harrogate under new Ossett Town director of football Bill Fotherby’s chairmanship – a side that ironically featured his Ossett predecessor Craig Elliott.
Like Fotherby stated earlier this week on Sports Performer, Reed agrees with the view that the two situations have no comparisons and he said: “It is completely different (to Harrogate Town in 2001).
“I took over a club that was really nearly geared up ready to finish high and he then gave me a budget to get three other players, Neil Aspin, (Ian) Blackstone and Robbie Whellans.
“They were three magnificent signings and we won the league.
“We said beforehand that we would probably win the league so if they can give me that kind of firepower to bring the three or four players I want in then we’ll have a chance.
“If not, we’ll have to reassess it. There’s more building work here. Harrogate was already set for me, this has a bit more repair work.”
Whilst Fotherby is making the big statements of aiming for promotion, Reed is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
His side, who travel to Mossley tomorrow and then face local rivals Ossett Albion on Monday, look set to finish eighth and he says his reunion with Fotherby is working well.
“We have been getting work done,” he said.
“We were there at 12 on Saturday for a two hour meeting before the lads got there.
“There is a lot for us to do without a shadow of a doubt.
“The pitch is the first thing for starters. The pitch needs sorting out, that’s an absolute certainty.
“I’ve got to wait and see what kind of budget they give me and I’m hoping they give me a play-offs budget.
“I know what I have to do to add to the side.
“I can’t tell you the numbers because it’s not fair. It hasn’t changed since the Lancaster game.”
On Fotherby’s promotion statement, Reed said: “That’s typical of Mr. F. He’s very positive and very bright and that’s why I love working with him.
“He’s a great fella.”
Last time out Ossett were easily beaten 3-0 by Lancaster City. Reed admitted his unhappiness with the performance after the game and he added that performances have to improve for the final throes of the season.
“We’ve got three games left and I expect standards to be a damn sight better than what it was against Lancaster,” he said.
“Like I said to them, it’s horrible to say, but we had too many quitters in our side and I hate quitters.
“You have to fight and look at how the fight we put up against Darlington. On Saturday, Lancaster won at an absolute canter. We didn’t give them a hard game.
“They won quite comfortably and that’s not nice for me.”