NPL East - Liversedge FC - 01.04.24

WELCOME TO INGFIELD

Welcome to Ingfield, I hope you all have had an enjoyable Easter break.

The result on Saturday has us once again looking over our shoulder and was very frustrating after some positive performances in recent weeks.

We are down to the final few games and will face a real test today against a Liversedge side who saw yet another game postponed on Saturday giving them a few days extra rest ahead of today.

Niah Payne, so impressive in the opening 45 minutes at Grantham, as well as Sam Tingle both had to be replaced and we await news on their fitness for today’s game, Alex Peterson has also missed the previous two games with an injury joining Janni Lipka who’s knee

PHIL SMITH,CHAIRMAN

injury would appear to be season ending.

This just gives opportunities to other players to come in and show the management team why they should be selected, today is another opportunity, against a side much lower in the table than they should be, to show the fighting spirit needed to get the final few points needed before the end of the season.

I would like to thank everyone who has today contributed to the food bank collection today, it was a huge success earlier in the season and I have no doubt the generosity of you all will come to the fore again.

Time to batten down the hatches, pull together and get behind the side and each other once again.

Phil

THE PRESIDENT ’ S ADDRESS

A decent run of results in late February and early March in which we managed four games without defeat seemed to have at least alleviated the pressure on us maintaining our Northern Premier League status but then we go and make things difficult for ourselves by registering two recent defeats against Liversedge and Grantham Town with a loss to the latter really being a bitter pill to swallow.

A win against fellow strugglers Grantham on Saturday would have put a ten point gap between ourselves and the bottom two sides in the relegation positions and would likely have been enough to keep us up. Having gone a goal up at Grantham and then to concede two goals before the final whistle really did feel like a hammer blow and again has us looking over our shoulders and facing a nervous final run-in to the end of the season. Staying in this league would enable us to look forward to next season with renewed optimism and not least as it now

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

looks almost certain that neighbouring Emley will be promoted from the Northern Counties East League and another fairly local club in Bradford Park Avenue at the moment look favourites to face relegation from the Premier Division. Games against both of these opponents would guarantee us a financial boost through increased gate receipts!

It’s high time we supporters should be looking forward to better things not least since our first successful campaign as Ossett United we have struggled to maintain that momentum. Our second two seasons were curtailed by the Covid pandemic but we were already languishing in the lower reaches of the league table. Our fourth season was comfortable if not spectacular but in the fifth we could have been relegated on the final day and again this season we face a nervous end to the campaign.

Fortunately for the Club, and because of our loyal supporters, gates have more or less held up to a degree but we have lost an average of around 200 spectators at home games since those heady early days and that has to be concerning on more than one front. Most readers will know I am not the most optimistic person on the planet

but I remain convinced that if we can get out of our current plight we can start to rebuild and return Ossett United to where we used to be. I have heard one or two people say we might be better going down but both Ossett Town and Ossett Albion and then Ossett United worked extremely hard to get to where we are and the loss of that status would, at least from my angle, be a tragedy! We have six games left to rescue things and fortunately the situation is still in our own hands without having to rely on others so let’s hope we can relieve the pressure with a result this afternoon. We have never needed your support more than now so let’s get behind the lads and finish the season on a high.

Today we are holding another

collection for the South Ossett Foodbank. Our past endeavours have been hugely successful and the generosity of our supporters has been tremendous and enormously appreciated by the volunteers who run the facility. If people have, for whatever reason, been unable to bring a donation this afternoon we will be happy to take anything you can manage to provide at any of our remaining home games until the end of the current season. Just drop items off at the usual collection point in the ground and we will make sure they are delivered to the Foodbank for the benefit of the local community.

Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

Neville

THE DUGOUT

Good afternoon and welcome to everyone for the Bank Holiday fixture with Liversedge.

6 huge games remain to ensure we finish above the dotted line come the final whistle on the 27th April. A lot of hard work has gone in to the past 12 weeks to ensure we have a team coupled up with good hard working performances people can be proud of. Pulling ourselves into a position to finally look up rather than down.

This was my biggest disappointment following Saturdays result, especially after being in a commanding 1 nil position before the voodoo doll was poked again. Losing another 3 players, during the first half both the influential Niah Payne and then Adam Watson who could

DAVID BROWN –MANAGER

barely move but managed to battle on doing a stellar job out of position covering for the missing also injured Alex Peterson. Then Sam Tingle to give yet more headaches.

The frustration and anger following the game has to be now channeled into galvanising us between now and the end of the season. Teams can carry 1 or 2 missing bodies here and there, but what we as a club have had to deal with over the past several weeks it’ll make our end goal feel that much sweeter when achieved.

I’m a firm believer in handling life with the deck of cards you are given and making the best out of any situation. This is what we will continue to do. Big mention to our physio Lily who has to be the most used physio currently working in football.

We must stick together through this right to the end.

Stronger together.

Brownie

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

HARRY COATES -CAPTAIN

Today, we will need the support of each and everyone of you in the stands. Our opponents have had the weekend off and as the manager has mentioned we are now down to the bare bones as a squad. With your backing we have every confidence we can still pick up 3 valuable points.

Harry The games are now coming thick and fast, as we play our second game in three days.

Thanks as always for your continued support, stick with us.

We have no time to feel sorry for ourselves after the disappointment of Saturday’s result. Our fate is still in our own hands and that is down to the hard work all of the lads and coaching staff have put in over the past months.

Juice Personnel are an independent recruitment agency based in Wakefield. We were founded in 2003 in Huddersfield with the knowledge that things could be done differently. This led us to adopt what we called our ‘refreshingly different’ approach. This radical new approach to recruitment was based around our core values of mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality.

From day one we had a policy to constantly review how we worked. Because of this dedication to self-improvement and our refreshing, personal approach to recruitment we saw a client and candidate loyalty that we’ve never experienced before and quickly outgrew our small office.

Skip forward a few years and we still hold fast to the same morals we started with: mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality Because of our unwavering dedication to client and candidate satisfaction Juice Personnel are now seen as one of the leading independent recruiters in Wakefield.

OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

Number 1 Stanley Kelly

Number 2

B

ACKROOM STAFF

DAVID BROWN – MANAGER

Brownie has stepped up from a coaching role to become Assistant Manager this season before being appointed as Interim Manager in December 2023 as his off-field reputation continues to grow. Highly respected at the club and following an excellent non-league playing career Brown will be hoping to transfer that into the dug-out.

RYAN PUGH – GOALKEEPING COACH

Ryan’s playing career saw him feature for Goole, New Mills, Matlock Town and a famous spell at Ossett Albion fondly remembered by Ossett Town fans after one particular Ossett Derby (ask him, he loves talking about it…) Pughy had been a member of the back-room staff at Belper Town before joining Ossett United in October 2022.

PADDY MILLER – DEFENDER/COACH

Paddy surprised the Non-League World as he came out of retirement last season to return to the field re-igniting a defensive partnership with Harry Coates which proved successful at both Hyde United and Tadcaster Albion. Paddy adds experience and a sense of calm to any side he is part of.

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TOM CLAISSE - MIDFIELDER/COACH

Experienced midfielder, signed from North Ferriby. Claisse adds a touch of calm and composure on the field. TC started his career at Bradford City and has also played for both Ossett Town and Albion as well as Farsley, BPA and Tadcaster. He also captained the RAF Football Side and was given the honour of carrying the FA Cup to the Royal Box ahead of the 2018 final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

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JOE GREEN - GOALKEEPER

Former Guiseley, Newport County and Hyde United goalkeeper, Joe is strong in stature, an excellent shot stopper and his distribution of the ball will be a huge asset this season. Joe made his professional debut for Newport County in the FA Cup 3rd round against Blackburn Rovers.

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CALLUM HIDDLESTONE - GOALKEEPER

Signed on emergency cover in February after spending time in Sheffield United’s academy. Has impressed since, particularly during the 0-0 draw at Winterton Rangers where a number of excellent saves secured a point for Ossett.

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HARRY COATES - DEFENDER

A key signing last season from Ashton United despite being chased by National League North and NPL Premier Division sides. Appointed club captain this summer. Harry is a commanding central defender and comfortable with the ball at his feet and more than capable to step into midfield.

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ADAM WATSON - DEFENDER

A midseason signing from Sheffield FC, where he’s made over 20 appearances this season. The former Worksop man will be looking to form a partnership with the returning captain Coates to shore up the United defence.

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SHANE KILLOCK – DEFENDER

A dominating central defender, Killock joined the club from NPL West side Mossley. Killock started his career at Ossett Albion before a move to Huddersfield Town where he made his debut for them away at Crewe Alexander. He has also played for Oxford United, Harrogate Town, Telford United amongst others.

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JACOB MCLOUGHLIN – DEFENDER

Signed in the summer of 2023 having impressed in the friendlies. Strong at the back and can step into the midfield with the ball to start attacks, he was most recently at York City.

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JIMMY BURKE– DEFENDER

Burkey made 46 appearances for the club between 2018-2020 and is a welcome addition to the squad. As well as a successful first spell at the club he played a key role for Hyde United as they reached the first round of the FA Cup.

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FABIAN BAILEY – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

Signed from Pontefract Collieries where he spent four seasons. Fab can turn his hand to a number of positions as required, he started his career at Rotherham United and has also had spells at Frickley Athletic and Ossett Town.

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DERRY ROBSON – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

Talented and versatile, Dez is as comfortable in midfield as he in at full-back. Derry has experience of promotion from Step Four and will add drive and experience to the side. Dez joined the club in 2022 from NPL East side Cleethorpes Town.

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COREY GREGORY – MIDFIELDER

Cultured midfielder, Corey returns to Ingfield after a spell at Brighouse Town. No stranger to Grant Black who has signed him for a third time having worked with him at Ossett Town and Belper Town. Corey will be a driving force in the heart of the pitch.

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MEET THE TEAM

JANNI LIPKA – MIDFIELDER

A key player in the successful Hyde United side who played MK Dons in the FA Cup, Lipka has great experience and has played a central role for the club since signing last season. Having had an injury interrupted season last year, with a full pre-season behind him Janni is expected to go from strength to strength this season.

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STAFFORD CLARK – MIDFIELDER

Signed on Work Experience terms from Sheffield United until the end of the season. A player with real technical ability, who will be looking to make his mark on senior football.

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SAM TINGLE – MIDFIELDER

A ball playing midfielder who had been training with United as he returned to fitness following injury. Signed forms with the club in late January and has impressed his combative yet composed displays in midfield since.

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DESMOND AMPONSAH - FORWARD

Quick and tricky from either foot, Desmond is sure to get the fans excited, a real defenders nightmare. Desmond spent last season with Liversedge and Tadcaster Albion gaining NPL experience.

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RAFA FERREIRA - FORWARD

A flair player who impressed in pre-season and earnt himself a deal at the club. Rafa counts Guiseley, Pickering Town and Tadcaster Albion as his previous clubs before joining the blues in the summer.

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TJ IBRAHIM - FORWARD

A dynamic winger with an eye for goal, TJ was the first summer signing joining the club from Brighouse Town where he has spent the past five seasons. TJ has given full back’s sleepless nights over recent years and know how they think as he is more than capable of fulfilling that position himself if required.

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ALEX PETERSON – FORWARD

A key member of the side and captain when Coates is not available, Alex’s work rate is second to none and he is a handful for any defender that he comes up against. Strong and excellent in the air he is a focal point of the Ossett side bringing players around him into the game whilst also finishing any chances created.

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ADAM PRIESTLEY – FORWARD

Resigned for the blues in January. A fan favourite from our inaugural season, he made an instant impact on his second home debut with a goal. He’ll be looking to help the blues climb away from the bottom end of the table.

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NIAH PAYNE – FORWARD

Joined the blues on loan in February from NPL Premier Division side Stafford Rangers. 26-year-old Payne started his career at Bradford City before a spell in non-league earned him a move to Scottish side Peterhead where he made over 50 appearances.

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THE OPPOSITION

Liversedge FC – Club History

Liversedge Football Club was founded in 1910 following the demise of the old Liversedge Rugby Club. Liversedge FC started in the Bradford League for three years and won it in the 1920/21 season.

The club was a founder member of the West Riding County Amateur League in season 1922/23 and went onto be the most successful club in the league’s infancy, taking the league title three times in the first five seasons (1923/24. 1925/26, 1926/27) and again in 1964/65 and 1965/66.

The long association with the County Amateur League was maintained until the early 1970s by which time the club had won it once more in 1968/69. The decision was taken to apply for membership of the Yorkshire League and the club’s acceptance for season 1972/73 was followed by immediate promotion from Division Three.

Whilst not winning trophies this time, success did come the club’s way as promotion to Yorkshire League Division One was achieved prior to the amalgamation of the Midland and Yorkshire League to form the Northern Counties East League in 1982. The early years in the new set-up saw Liversedge struggle both on and off the pitch but good strides were made in the late 1980s.

After finishing as runners up in NCEL Division 2 in 1988/89, they were promoted to NCEL Division One but a lack of floodlights the following season saw them miss out on promotion to the Premier Division, after again finishing runners-up in Division One.

A great club effort the following season by players, officials and supporters alike saw them promoted to the Premier Division after finishing third. The disappointment of missing out the previous season had been tempered by the winning of the West Riding County Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Life in the topflight brought fluctuating fortunes but Liversedge are still proud of their record of never ever being relegated despite flirting with it a couple of times. Sedge started to find stability and achieved sixth placed finishes in 1999/2000 and 2004/05.

The high point of the 2004/05 season was undoubtedly a fine FA Cup run

THE OPPOSITION

to the Fourth Qualifying Round, beating three higher-ranked opponents along the way, losing out to Coalville in the replay.

The 2005/06 season saw a new look to Sedge’s ground, as the famous Clayborn slope was removed. The club’s epic FA Cup run had enabled the club to finance, with the help of The FA, the levelling of the playing area, a fitting reminder of their FA Cup exploits.

Success also came on the field in 2005/06 by way of winning the NCEL League Cup for the first time and Sedge’s highest ever placing of runnersup in the Premier Division behind Buxton.

Unfortunately, Sedge were not granted promotion as the changing rooms were not to satisfactory size for the next step. After two highly successful seasons, 2006/07 was one of instability with an indifferent start leading to manager changes as the club continued to push towards the Unibond NPL League. In June 2007, Steve Newton was appointed to spearhead that push and with help of a new committee, strengthened by our junior club colleagues, now putting together plans and resources for a new clubhouse which was to be built in phases, and a high team spirt all around Clayborn, 2007/08 saw Liversedge win the NCEL Presidents Cup.

Liversedge returned to stable, and sometimes struggling, in the NCEL over the following few years with managers coming and going after some flirting with relegation. At the end of the 2014/15 season Jonathan Rimmington stepped up to the hot seat from the U19s and successfully kept the club in the NCEL Premier Division.

At the end of the 2017/18 season, Liversedge reached the League Cup Final against AFC Mansfield but due to unforeseen circumstances the game was not played. 2018/19 saw a new chairman in former Ossett Town/Wakefield/Nostell/Ossett Albion’s Simon Turfrey join the club. At the end of the season Liversedge again reached the League Cup Final, losing out 3-1 to Worksop Town.

Pre-season 2019/20 saw lots of off field progression with new changing rooms and extensions to club and tea bar and new faces football wise. These developments showed an ambitious new vision for the club’s future. On the field Liversedge were well on course for possible promotion to the Northern Premier League with two games in hand and in 2nd position. Covid-19 struck, and the rest of the season’s games were cancelled with

THE OPPOSITION

the season decided void by the FA.

The 2020/21 season was again curtailed early due to an escalating Covid situation with Sedge well on course again for promotion and achieving their best FA Vase run to the Fourth Round. This time the FA came to the solution to make sure the good work of ambitious clubs did not go to waste and award promotion on a points per game basis based on the previous two curtailed seasons.

Sedge hit the ground running in their first ever Northern Premier League season, winning the league following a tight title battle with Marske United, losing one league game all season, and gaining promotion to the NPL Premier Division at Step 3. Jonathan Rimmington’s side made it a league and cup ‘double’ with a 3-1 West Riding County Cup Final win against local rivals Brighouse Town. The 2021/22 season will be remembered as the club’s best so far, with records broken on and off the field.

Sedge had it rough in 2022/23 in the NPL Premier Division, but the spirits were high throughout, and putting in a good run towards the back end of the season, unfortunately Sedge were relegated but learnt a lot in a higher division with hopes to return there soon. Sedge have made some important appointments behinds the scenes as well to build the foundations of a great community club, one ofthem appointments is exPremier League footballer Ross McCormack who joined in 2023/24 as a player/director of football.

THE OPPOSITION

Jordan Porter - With lots of experience, Jordan was part of the FC Halifax Town squad that won the FA Trophy in 2016 and had spells with Brighouse, Scarborough and Spennymoor.

Tom Angell – A young left-back who came through the ranks at Sheffield United, Tom has had loan spells with Bradford PA and Spennymoor but was recently with Basford United.

Jack Hardacre - Right-back ‘Jacko’ joined Sedge following his time in Leeds United’s academy but left to play college football in the USA. He returned to England with Hyde United before resigning for Liversedge.

Kwame Boateng - Kwame can play across the back four and in midfield. He played at Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday's academies but has played most of his senior career with Guiseley.

Kurt Harris - A consistent and confident centre-half who signed from neighbours Brighouse, whom he captained, and has also played for Farsley Celtic as they won promotion to National League North.

Dan Hartley – A fierce centre-back who likes to lead despite his younger age of 22, recently played for Tadcaster.

Jeramie Milambo - An energetic left-back, came through the ranks at Bradford City and has spent time at Farsley Celtic and Waterford FC in Ireland. He has most recently been at Ossett United before signing on for Sedge.

Joe Skarz – An experienced defender with over 250 league appreances with Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United, Oxford United plus others. The left-footer will add great knowledge to the side.

Lewis Wilkinson – A keen runner, young Lewis will never stop in defence. He is a local lad, playing his junior football up the road with Gomersal & Cleckheaton.

Jack Stockdill - A versatile, hardworking central midfielder ‘Stocky’ played academy football for Bradford City before turning out for Guiseley, Harrogate Railway, Hyde United, Ossett Albion, and Ossett United.

Simon Heslop – The veteran midfielder has over 450 apps in his career, starting at Barnsley; Simon has played for Oxford, Stevenage, Mansfield and York City.

THE OPPOSITION

Luke Parkin - A product of the Leeds United academy, Luke has spent many years at Farsley Celtic, becoming a cult hero. He also has played at Brighouse Town and Silsden.

Theo Hudson – An attacking midfielder with plenty of pedigree coming through the ranks at Leeds, he also has an international youth cap.

Alfie Raw - Alfie started his football with Huddersfield Town’s Academy at 8, playing with them for 10 years until he was 18. He had a brief spell at Sedge but took the opportunity to go overseas, representing SCAD Athletics for three years in America before returning to the Clayborn. Has now made more than 100 appearances for Liversedge.

Kevy Tarangadzo – Big man, big personality. Kevy has played his trade around Yorkshire, Farsley, Brighouse and Witton, but he has also represented Congo.

George Proctor – Once a member of the Barnsley FC academy, George played for Sedge in 2022 after spells in the USA. After injury, he is back again, ready to dominate the midfield.

Ryan Toulson – Ryan was a pro at Halifax; he went on to play for Guiseley and Park Ave before recently managing Eccleshill. Ryan is a player/coach but can still put a shift in.

Alex Wollerton – Coming through the Leeds academy, Alex has since been a part of Gainsborough and, more recently, FC United of Manchester; he will bring plenty of flair to Sedge’s attack this season.

Will Portman – Will came through the rants at Sheffield United but has spent most of his career in the US before coming home and bringing the challenging game of college ‘soccer’ to Clayborn.

Jack Dyche – Jack can play on the left or up top. He was a player out of the Leeds United Academy before moving to Scunthorpe. To gain 1st team experience, Jack had some loan spells with Bradford PA, Ashton and Boston before signing deals with Hyde and Guiseley, whom he has joined from.

Joe Walton - Mr Liversedge - has spent over eight seasons at the Clayborn Ground. Starting his non-league career as a centre-back, he became one of the most prolific strikers in the NCEL and has stepped up to the plate in the Northern Premier League.

The Spitfires are a band I've followed for a number of years now and they're no stranger to anyone who reads Move On Up. I first encountered them when they were a four-piece before the lineup change way back in around 2011. I remember their first gig as a threepiece in my hometown of Middlesbrough way back in 2014 and have seen them countless times since. I became good pals with the lads and the countless interviews, reviews, gigs and laughs along the way have helped make this site what it has become over the years. When I found out the band would be going their separate ways at the back end of last year it did leave a sour taste as they were one of the hardest-working, mosttalented bands I'd had the pleasure of watching so many times. With the final gig announced (I was lucky to be in attendance) and with the last record released I thought it was about time I put pen to paper on a retrospective review...

"Play For Today" came as the second and final record the Spits released on Acid Jazz and once again the band were pushing in a whole new direction from the previous effort of "Life Worth Living". The Spitfires are grafters and real craftsmen when it comes to studio time and Billy's perfectionist nature comes across in the songs on this

DAVID POTTINGER

record. "Play For Today" is a proud final curtain call that the band deserved after years of commitment to the cause. It's a career culmination and a good one at that! Opening with "Suburbia"a 22 second instrumental which ends with "Now for something a little bit different" brings a sense of intrigue and wonder to an album which was anticipated for some time prior to release. Dance-floor/suburban street stomper "Save Me" lifts off and doesn't stop, it's a groover with that added bite done in a much more subtle fashion from previous records. You could play it at 3AM in a club and it wouldn't feel out of place. These are the kind of tunes the band have become known for and certainly shrug off the lazy stereotype they've been pigeonholed with by lazy journos and news outlets alike...

The record heads off on an electropop journey that Oakey and Gregory would be proud of. "Did You Have To Go?" is another highlight and one of those tracks you instantly connect with. Sullivan's vocal is smooth, direct and matured. Triumphant brass complements the dub groove that this track sits on. It's a foot tapper that has you going from the first bar, no time is wasted here! A culmination of the band's influences to date that's an advert for any doubter! "Reap What You Sow" is a final calling card for the record and pulls together the ingredients that have made the boys what they are over the years. In yer face and poignant with a message that relates to so many of the unsavoury characters you meet out and about. The electro theme which runs throughout the record complements the more trad guitar sound and Sullivan's sharp vocal which could cut through ice. Boss! A record I have played non-stop since its release and one that I'll definitely be spinning a few tracks off at future do’s.

To read more visit moveonupblog.co.uk

DAVID POTTINGER

David Pottinger is a writer, interviewer and teacher from Middlesbrough. He has written his own blog – Move On Up - since 2013. The blog is inspired by Modernist culture and covers Music, Fashion, Football and everything in between. From now until the end of the season, we will be featuring a selection of his articles from the last decade. To find more visit moveonupblog.co.uk

Next Week: North Ferriby

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THE UNTOLD GAME

The Impossible Dream?

Despite repeated attempts to ‘keep politics out of football’, it seeps through. Our sport is not immune to the political turmoil that can engulf society, and with such a loud voice, there is an argument that perhaps it shouldn’t be. But one place where the politics is especially fierce, and the impact on the sport so longlasting that it almost goes unnoticed, is on the island of Ireland. Since the end of the Troubles, there has been a much more conciliatory relationship between the two nations, and the two governing bodies. And yet, despite it existing with no question whatsoever in rugby, Northern Ireland and Eire have proven incapable of fielding a unified Irish football team.

A united Ireland football team was only the fourth international side to be formed in the 19th Century, although ‘united’ was unnecessary at that time. Their first fixture, in 1882, was a 13-0 battering against England - still the latter’s biggest ever victoryand their second was a marginally better 7-1 defeat to Wales, with 15 year old Samuel Johnston becoming his country’s first ever goalscorer. A run of 14 defeats and a draw saw them finish bottom of the inaugural Home Championships in 1884, and they had to wait until 1887 to secure their first victory, against Wales. It was over a decade later that they would beat England for the first time. But, slowly, they improved. By the last

MARTYN GREEN

Home Championships before the First World War, Ireland were good enough to upset the odds and win the whole competition.

Unable to build on that success, Ireland (like everyone else) had to wait five years for their next fixture, in a Home Championships they would go on to finish winless again. Nobody realised that would be their final round of fixtures. In 1920, the Government of Ireland Act was passed. When Northern Ireland withdrew from the arrangement, the island divided.

The divide in football wasn’t all that clear, however. The IFA (The North’s governing body) continued to select players from across the island, and the FAI didn’t cause much of a fuss.

In 1946, when both played England, two players played for both teams in the same week, against the same opponent. When both sides entered qualifying for the 1950 World Cup, the issue was brought to FIFA’s attention. By that stage, things were becoming

THE UNTOLD GAME

tricky too; the FAI were questioning why the IFA got to present a ‘united’ Irish team. FIFA forced a more restrictive split, and to avoid confusion or favouritism, prohibited both bodies from calling their team ‘Ireland’. Despite some resistance from the IFA, by the 1970s all remnants of the Ireland national team were gone.

Which, ironically, was just in time for talks to start again on the formation of a United Ireland team. Despite increasing tensions in the late 1960s which would explode into the Troubles, the footballing bodies had introduced all-Ireland competitions to foster cooperation. George Best went on record saying he and others wanted a united team.

But while attempts were being made for football to unify, politics was getting in the way again. In the Blaxnit Cup Final of 1971, unionist Linfield supporters chanted ‘Up the UVF’ against their southern counterparts, leading to bottles and stones being thrown and the competition’s future being put in doubt. Rioting at nationalist-leaning Derry City saw them forced to give up their home and move 40 miles. They eventually withdrew from the Northern Irish league, and joined the Republic’s. Despite this, the FAI published a report with the long-term goal of all-Ireland competitions.

When Brazil visited in 1973, they took

MARTYN GREEN

on the Shamrock Rovers All Ireland XI, which included players from across the divide. 34,000 fans crammed into Lansdowne Road, and a convivial atmosphere saw the Brazilians run out 4-3 winners. The belief was that such a show of unity could only lead to a permanent unified side, not far into the future.

A series of meetings made glacial progress over the next five years. It wasn’t helped by the trouble in the North; Northern Ireland didn’t play a match at home for seven years from 1971, instead playing their fixtures in England. But when the all-Ireland hockey team went to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, questions were asked why football couldn’t do the same.

The answer, as ever, was politics. The divide in Ireland was too deep, and FIFA’s rules too stringent about a unified team from two different associations. Combining the governing bodies into one, putting the competitions together and meeting FIFA’s rules was a step too far in deeply troubled times. The idea was shelved.

In 1983, FAI President stated that ‘there will be no settlement… until such time as the political problems which divide the North and Republic have been solved’. There has been a solution now for nearly three decades. Maybe it’s time to ask the question again.

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CLUB HISTORY

THE FORMATION

Ossett United was created on 1 June 2018 following the merger of Ossett Town AFC (est. 1936) and Ossett Albion AFC (est. 1944). Both Ossett Town and Ossett Albion had managed to gain Northern Premier League status and maintain that level of football for a remarkable period of time.

The two clubs merged under the leadership of a new board brought together from the two previous clubs. The Club made its new home Ingfield, the previous home of Ossett Town, and used Dimple Wells, the previous home of Ossett Albion, as its Ladies and Academy Team base.

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ARLY CHANGES

Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board.

There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best).

CLUB HISTORY

Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board.

There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best).

James Rogers and Phil Smith swapped roles due to Smith’s work commitments with Rogers taking on the role as Chairman, a role he had previously held at Ossett Town. 2020 also saw the club declare Dimple Wells as surplus to requirements and made arrangements to surrender the lease making Ingfield the single home of the united club.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

With the off-field rollercoaster settling down the Board progressed numerous ground improvements at Ingfield with the replacement of the pitch side barrier and installation of LED floodlights being completed in 2021 before attention turned to improving the changing room facilities which took shape in the summer of 2023 thanks to further grants from the Football Foundation.

The extension includes an additional match official room, two offices and a medical room as well as a larger, modern changing room that will become fully operational by the summer of 2024.

The Boardroom has also been strengthened in the summer of 2023 with Dawn Rogers and Kate Hennighan taking their place alongside the eight members already in place.

CLUB HISTORY

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On the pitch, the first year (2018/19) was a remarkable success with attendances significantly increased from what either club had experienced previously, coupled with success on the pitch reaching the play-off semi-final and winning the County Cup, under the guidance of manager Andy Welsh.

Following the departure of Andy Welsh a couple of months in to the 2019/20 season Wayne Benn, assisted by Chick Hayward, oversaw two covid hit seasons. Hopes were high after a positive pre-season in 2021/22 with Benn reshaping the squad. The season started well with Ossett United in the top half of the table but a run of only one win in three months saw a change in the dugout at Christmas with Jas Collvier and Mark Ward taking a joint managerial role.

The season ended well with the pair unbeaten at Ingfield with seven wins and two draws but away from home inconsistent performances and results saw a ninth placed finish in only the clubs second completed season.Colliver and Ward strengthened the squad throughout preseason, and despite on paper the squad looking as strong as it ever had, results did not match expectations. Mark Ward resigned in September with Colliver taking sole charge before leaving the club by mutual consent the following month.

Grant Black became the clubs fourth permanent manager in October 2022, winning his first game in charge, 2-0 at the eventual play-off champions Long Eaton United and only tasting defeat twice in his first 16 games.

Results tailed off as the season ended with the club finishing in 15 th place and only avoiding a relegation play-off place on the last day of the season. The management team oversaw a major overhaul of the first team squad ahead of the 23/24 season and despite glimpses of positivity an inconsistency in results saw United sitting in 15th place when Black and Ossett United went their separate ways on 24 December.

Assistant Manager David Brown was asked to become interim manager supported by Ryan Pugh and senior player Paddy Miller as the club looks to have a positive 2024.

FOOTBALL WEB PAGES

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Name:

Joe Moss

Refereeing Journey: I am currently a level 3 referee, refereeing runs in the family as my father was a successful Premier League referee – I have been brought up around refereeing my whole life. Of my career highlights, there have been plenty one being appointed to my first international fixture between Wales and Northern Ireland U20’s.

Enjoy today’s local derby between Ossett and Liversedge.

Joe GREEN

Callum HIDDLESTON

Jimmy BURKE

Harry COATES

Adam WATSON

Jacob McLOUGHLIN

Shane KILLOCK

Corey GREGORY

Rafa FERREIRA

Derry ROBSON

Janni LIPKA

Sam TINGLE

Stafford CLARK

Tom CLAISSE

TJ IBRAHIM

Niah PAYNE

Desmond AMPONSAH

Sam KELLY

Alex PETERSON

Adam PRIESTLEY

Kwame BOATENG

Jack CARR

Eddie CHURCH

Jack DYCHE

Liam HARDY

Kurt HARRIS

Dan HARTLEY

Simon HESLOP

Theo HUDSON

Jeremie MILAMBO

Luke PARKIN

Jordan PORTER

Will PORTMAN

George PROCTOR

Alfie RAW

Joe SKARZ

Jack STOCKDILL

Kevy TARANGADZO

Ryan TOULSON

Joe WALTON

Lewis WILKINSON

Alex WOLLERTON

SHIRTS: SKY BLUE

SHORTS: NAVY

SOCKS: NAVY

GK: ALL GREEN