Evo Stik North
Ossett Town
Can Ossett Town go one better? Grant Black’s brilliant side stunned the league last season by reaching the play-off final and being three minutes away from promotion. With most of that side staying, Ossett must have a good chance of doing well again.
Who’s In Charge
Grant Black
Grant Black has led Ossett Town out of the abyss and turned them into promotion candidates since taking over in February 2016
Black, the brightest young manager in the Evo Stik and also the holder of the Non League Yorkshire manager of the year award, starts his second full season in charge of Ossett. The job he has done since taking over a side in disarray and hurtling at full speed towards the NCEL in February 2016 has been unbelievable.
Opening Five Fixtures
Prescot Cables (A), Scarborough Athletic (H), Sheffield FC (A), Droylsden (H), Ossett Albion (A).
Player Movement
In: Corey Gregory, Josh Snowden (Thackley), Jake Quickenden (Bottesford Town), Danny Gibbons (Bottesford Town), Seon Ripley, Kai Hancock (Athersley Rec), Curtly Martin-Wyatt (Frickley Athletic), Alex Low (Brighouse Town),
Out: Tyrone Gay (Hyde United), Danny Frost (Tadcaster Albion), Darol Lucas, Jake Ellam (Tadcaster Albion), Jason Yates (Frickley Athletic).
One to Watch
Corey Gregory
Former Stocksbridge midfielder Corey Gregory has signed Ossett Town last month
Gregory is a classy midfielder who Ossett are very lucky to have in their side. His performances are bound to help get the punters through the gates at Ingfield.
Interview
James Grayson presenting manager of the year Grant Black with his award at Ossett Town’s presentation night in May. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Grant Black is aiming to lead Ossett Town to the similar heroics of last season and hopefully go one better.
Ossett were three minutes away from achieving the unthinkable in the play-off final last April. In the end, Farsley Celtic secured promotion after extra-time.
Even though he has a slightly tinkered squad because of the loss of talisman Danny Frost and a few others, Black still believes he has the “quality” for a battle at the very top.
“You look year-on-year to improve as a team, squad and a club,” Black told Non League Yorkshire.
“If we were to do that, it would take us into a different league which is what we’re going to set out to do at the start.
“We’re under no illusions that it is going to be difficult. It is going to be more difficult this year based on the teams that are in this league and the backing that some have got.
“It is going to be tough, but we are looking to build on what we did last season and if we can compete every week then I think we have the quality in the side to do well.”
Prediction
Top Six