NPL Division One East
Ossett United joint caretaker manager James Walshaw says he is really proud to be taking charge at the place where his incredible Non League career began.
Walshaw and injured defender Ross Killock are holding the fort after Wayne Benn’s departure following the Friday night defeat to Pontefract Collieries.
The pair are interested in the job on a permanent basis but their immediate concern is Monday’s trip to Tadcaster Albion and attempting to end Ossett’s run of six games without a win.
Way back in the mid-2000s, Walshaw started his Non League career with Ossett Town under Steve Kittrick before achieving huge success with the likes of Guiseley, Altrincham and Farsley Celtic.
So Ossett is a club close to his heart which makes his step-up to joint caretaker manager even more special.
“I started at ingfield and I came through the youth team so I have a big affinity with the club,” Walshaw told Non League Yorkshire.
“I always said I would come back at some point and I came back this season.
“We made a great start but things haven’t gone to plan.
“It is a huge honour to be taking charge of the club with Ross.
“Myself and Ross have been on the phone non-stop to each other and we highlighted where we think need to strengthen but we have let all the players know that we don’t want to get rid of anyone.
“We want to wipe the slate clean and everyone has an opportunity to start afresh and kick-start again.
“We have some fantastic players at the club so we don’t feel the need to make major changes.
“We just need to tinker a few things which will do in training tonight.”
The departure of Benn and his assistant Andy Hayward was a shock to outsiders but Walshaw said the writing had been on the wall.
“I don’t think it was a surprise to many people,” he said.
“Wayne and Andy had said at the previous game that if results don’t pick up then there could be a change at the club.
“We knew results hadn’t been and performances hadn’t been great.
“With all due to respect to Andy and Benno, they knew performances and results weren’t great so I don’t think it was much of a shock.”
The trip to Tadcaster gives Walshaw an opportunity to out-wit his former manager John Deacey.
But Walshaw says the priority is getting a feel-good factor back around the club.
“I have a lot of respect for John and I’ve played under him at Farsley and Scarborough,” he said.
“He gets his players fired up and he likes to play an attacking style of football.
“I think for us we have to be professional in our approach, stick to our game-plan and I am sure we can put in a good performance.
“The result is not as important as the performance.
“I want to get this club playing the way it should be and for the fans to enjoy it.
“I don’t think they have had a great time of it of late.
“There were 500+ on Friday and they didn’t witness the real Ossett United.
“We want to bring a bit of excitement back and make people proud of supporting and playing for Ossett United.”
Ossett have received “high quality applications” for vacancy and interviews will be happen in due course.
At this point in time, preparing the squad for the Tadcaster trip is Walshaw and Killock’s only concern.
But they do have a free rein to reshape the team if necessary.
“Initially it is for the Tadcaster game but we have had the freedom to bring players in and let players go,” he said.
“Although we are looking to the next game, we both want to do our best for Ossett United.
“We’ll do what we think will progress the club, not just for the next game but for future games.
“But we’re not wanting to make wholesale changes.
“We have got a great group of players and we’re willing to give them an opportunity.
“Some may decide to leave.
“They may have an affiliation with Benno but we have invited everyone to training and as of yet no-one has said they want to leave.
“We have identified a couple of players who we feel may strengthen us.”
Speaking for himself, Walshaw also confirmed his interest in the permanent position.
“It is given that I’d definitely want the job going forward but ultimately if the board think there is a better and more experienced applicant then I’m more than happy with what decision they make,” he added.