Shock as Black resigns at Ossett

Evo Stik North

One of his finest moments: Grant Black (left) runs to Simon Rogers after Ossett Town score a crucial goal against Harrogate Railway. Picture: Mark Gledhill

Grant Black has reflected on the past two years after bringing down the curtain on his fantastic period at the helm of Ossett Town.

Black resigned from his Ingfield post on Tuesday night for reasons that he declined to speak about.

The former Buxton right-back took charge of Ossett in February 2016, inheriting a team that was heading for the NCEL, and leaves them after turning them into promotion-chasers.

“I don’t want to get into it, but there are a few things which have gone on in the past few weeks, things I don’t want to go into, but what have made me feel that resigning is my only course of action,” Black told Non League Yorkshire.

“I would like to thank Ossett for allowing me the chance to have my first taste of management.

“It has benefited them massively because I am leaving them in a stronger position compared to the one they were in when I came in.

“They were all-ends up and relegation fodder. We got them into the play off final with a low budget compared to the rest of the teams in the league.

“Then this year, we got them to a good position in the league, plus the furthest they have ever gone in the FA Cup in their history. It all speaks for itself.

“There’s been some good memories and I wish them all the best.”

Steve Ridley and Lee Ashforth will take temporary charge of Ossett, while the club decide who will be their next permanent manager.

Black, who has recently turned down two approaches from other clubs, says he wants to return to management, but says he may bide his time.

He added: “If an opportunity comes up which I feel is a good opportunity, I’ll get back into it, but I’m not in any rush.”