Evo Stik Division One North
Ossett Albion manager Richard Tracey
Richard Tracey claims Ossett Albion have been quiet in the transfer market this summer because most of their business was done towards the end of last season.
Albion have only signed three brand new players – Jordan Bradshaw, Talent Ndlovu and former captain Stef Holt – since the registration window opened.
Although the full retentions list has yet to be confirmed, Albion are expected to have most of last season’s squad at their disposal.
“We weren’t in the market for too many because we felt we made good progress last year and only needed to add a little bit to the squad,” Tracey told Non League Yorkshire.
“We’ve brought in Stef Holt and Jordan Bradshaw, who made some good saves (last night at Hemsworth). We’re still negotiating with (last season’s goalkeeper) Brett (Souter) about his return. That will or won’t happen in the next few days.
“I feel we will have two good goalkeepers if that happens. We would have liked a wide man, but it hasn’t happened as of yet. We had a look at a couple tonight because we do have a few trialists in at the moment.
“I think that’s reflected in the first couple of games because we have had a large number of players involved.
“It has been a lot quieter this summer because we haven’t been pursuing targets.
“We did a lot of good business at the end of the season by getting Jimmy Eyles (signed in March) in and speaking to Stef.
“I know we’re talking about new signings, but I look upon Jimmy Eyles as a new signing because he didn’t really play because he was coming from injury. He’s a good addition and he has goals in him.”
The 4-4 draw with Hemsworth Miners Welfare last night was Ossett’s second friendly. Albion lost 3-0 at Pontefract Collieries on Saturday.
They head to Sheffield FC tonight with a lot of first teamers having used the opening two fixtures to mainly blood fringe and youth players.
A few of the lads who were on show are part of Pathway2Pro, an educational programme run by former Halifax Town striker Neil Ross. Pathway2Pro are now in partnership with Albion and Tracey says it has benefits for both parties.
“It helps with funding because it brings a little bit of money into the club,” he said.
“Equally it gives us a chance to look at their players, which we have done over the last couple of games. There’s also a couple more to come in as they are away.
“It gives us opportunity to have a bigger pool of players and the partnership is working well.
“We will give opportunities to people if they are good enough and better than what we have got – and that’s what I’ve said to Neil.”