Current Ossett Town boss John Reed has won the the Northern Counties East League Premier Division twice during his glory-laden career
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Legendary Non League manager John Reed has thrown his weight behind the call for a second promotion spot in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
The current Ossett Town chief is one of the NCEL’s greatest managers having won the top tier in 1990 with Bridlington Town and then again with Hatfield Main in 1996.
Reed, who has taken charge of over 1000 games during his long and illustrious career, agrees with the views recently aired by Tadcaster Albion manager Paul Marshall and Barton boss Dave Anderson.
“When you think how fantastic Tadcaster did last year, getting 97 points and not going up, I think it should be two up personally,” he said.
“I would love to see it because I’ve been very fortunate to have won that league years ago with Hatfield Main and Bridlington and I do feel sorry for Paul Marshall.
“When you think of the pyramid, why can’t they just do it?
“I think Tadcaster have assembled another good squad, but with people like Aquaforce and Handsworth Parramore they is going to be three challenging (for one spot).
“I agree with all the managers (who have said there should be another promotion spot). If you’re going to have a pyramid, why have a structure and say at Counties level, only one goes up?
“Why not have two like every other level? It would be great to see it happen and they would get my vote.
“If they said ‘would you vote for it’? I would, definitely. I would love to see a change.”
Reed was awarded a special merit award by the Evo Stik League for his services to football in April.
He also had spells in charge of Denaby United, Goole (twice), Harrogate Town (twice), Buxton and Stalybridge Celtic and he does admit that the NCEL is a tough league to manage in.
“It is very difficult,” he added.
“They’re all hard, but when only one goes up it makes it harder.
“I loved managing in the NCEL.
“It can be harder to attract players, but it’s about a bit of luck.
“I won it with no money with Hatfield, but won it with big money at Brid.
“We got to Wembley (for the FA Vase final) that year with Brid and we won four trophies that season.
“If I go to my grave tomorrow, I will never forget that day when I took Brid to Wembley.
“They were great days and I loved everyday of managing in the NCEL.”