Ossett United v Widnes (29/07/23)

OSSETT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

INGFIELD, PROSPECT ROAD, OSSETT, WF5 9HL

CLUB PRESIDENT: NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

CHAIRMAN: JAMES ROGERS

VICE-CHAIRMAN: PHIL SMITH

SECRETARY: NEIL SPOFFORTH

TREASURER: PAUL BILLING

BOARD MEMBERS: LEE BROADBENT, STUART GARSIDE, JOE HANKS, STEVE

HANKS, KATE HENNIGHAN, DAWN ROGERS

MANAGER: GRANT BLACK

ASSISTANT MANAGER: DAVID BROWN

COACH: ZEPH THOMAS, RYAN PUGH,

SCOUT: GARY DEVENPORT

MEDICAL TEAM: EMILY CRISPIN

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER: KATE HENNIGHAN

HEAD OF MEDIA: CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

MEDIA TEAM: MATT BLACKBURN, CHRIS CASSIDY, OWEN GERRARD, JAMES

GOTHARD, KEITH WOOD

PROGRAMME DESIGN: JOSEPH WILLIAMSON

CLUB HONOURS

(OSSETT UNITED, OSSETT TOWN, OSSETT ALBION )

WEST RIDING COUNTY SENIOR CUP

WINNERS: 1949/50

WEST RIDING COUNTY CUP

WINNERS: 1958/59, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1981/82, 1998/99, 2018/19

RUNNERS UP: 2000/01

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

RUNNERS UP: 2001/02

PLAY-OFF RUNNERS UP: 2016/17

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST PREMIER DIVISION

WINNERS: 1998/99, 2003/04

RUNNERS UP: 1998/99, 2000/01

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST FIRST DIVISION

WINNERS: 1986/87

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST SECOND DIVISION

WINNERS: 1988/89

WELCOME TO INGFIELD

JAMES ROGERS , CHAIRMAN

Welcome back to Ingfield!

It’s been some time since we were all last here, unfortunately this is the only home friendly mainly due to the work on the extended changing room building that you can all see.

Whilst we had hoped to complete the development in time for the new season, it became apparent quite quickly after starting the work that to ensure we had operable changing room facilities by the end of July it would be best phasing the work. Phase 1 to include the new build extension allowing the existing to continue to function as needed. Phase 2 to include the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the existing building. As of today, phase 1 is about 80% complete and we’ve not commenced phase 2. So for now we will continue to use the existing facility until the new part is complete. We’ll then think about phase 2 and when best to complete this with a worse case scenario being close-season in 2024 to avoid any disruption to

facilities during the season. It hasn’t just been this project that has taken place this summer. Neville Wigglesworth and John Hirst put out a request for a workforce to complete numerous jobs such as painting, renovating the stand over by the dugouts, general tidying up and much, much more.

The response was excellent, so much so, there are too many people to name here for fear of forgetting someone, but rest assured we are very grateful to everyone from those who were here every weekend to anyone who was able to volunteer even a couple of hours of their time.

Our home is ever improving and we are incredibly proud of Ingfield, thank you to everyone who plays their part.

This summer has also seen the expansion of the Ossett United Board as we welcomed Dawn Rogers and Kate Hennighan – they have both played their part at the club over several years and it was a natural step to welcome them onto the Board of Directors.

On the field pre-season has been positive, it is natural to look at

WELCOME TO INGFIELD

results and be disappointed with a couple of defeats, but the summer games are always about more than results as the management team try new players and formations to see what works and just as importantly, what doesn’t.

Everything is building up to Saturday 5 August as we entertain 1874 Northwich here in the FA Cup and then travel to Sheffield the following Saturday for the opening

As a club we are once again delighted but the faith shown by supporters as the club membership has increased and once again a good number of you have bought season tickets. Support has a massive effect on the players so lets all get behind the side and look forward to what will hopefully be a successful season!

NPL East League fixture.

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Before I embark on comments pertaining to the new season coming I think it fitting that we fully bring the curtain down on last season at least with regard to off the field matters.

Shortly after the end of last season those who attended the Club’s Annual Presentation Evening in Kelly’s Bar were able to experience a thoroughly enjoyable occasion with a live local band providing the backing music for those who wished to demonstrate their vocal skills in the karaoke section of the evening. Among the usual presentations made the one that struck me most was the Ossett United ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. In fact it turned out to be the ‘Volunteers of the Year’ award. This time around the accolade went to the Hudson Brothers - Simon and Wayne and it’s hard to think of anybody more deserving of public recognition for what they do than these two gentlemen.

Anybody who has come down to the ground on a Saturday morning cannot have failed to notice these two lads hard at work. They are invariably the first to arrive and tackle any job put their way without hesitation or complaint.

What they do over the course of a season must save the Club literally hundreds if not thousands of pounds. They never look to seek praise and simply just get on with the job in hand. Non League Clubs all over the country need and are crying out for such volunteers but very few indeed are as fortunate as we are in having Simon and Wayne amongst our ranks. There will be more at a later date about the projects they have taken on this summer but, on behalf of everyone involved with Ossett United, we extend sincere congratulations on their much deserved awards and sincere gratitude for their efforts which in the long run benefit everyone who attends our home matches.

Back in June nine of our number represented the Club at the Northern Premier League Annual Dinner and Awards night held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The celebrations were preceded by the Annual General Meeting at which all the business pertaining to the coming season is carried out and formalised. During the AGM there is always a time set aside to remember the people who, in their lifetimes, have given so much to Non League football and have sadly passed away. The reading of all the names and the clubs of which they were members is a very poignant part of the proceedings and the silence in their memories is impeccably observed.

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

Unfortunately Ossett United (formerly Ossett Albion and Ossett Town) had three names on that list. From Ossett Town we remembered Gordon Wood who was a member of the football committee for many years and Dave Huggins who, until his illness, was Treasurer and committee member. The Ossett Albion person remembered was former manager Ronnie Radford who, of course, is best known for the spectacular iconic goal he scored in the FA Cup competition for Hereford United in the thick mud against Newcastle United. All three made their marks on their respective clubs and will be fondly remembered.

Sadly also we will feature on this list next time around at the League AGM as former Ossett Albion committee member for over 25 years Michael Easter passed away just a few weeks ago and our condolences to go out to all Michael’s family and friends.

This afternoon, for our final pre-season friendly, we welcome the Officials, management team, players and, not least, the supporters of Widnes FC to Ingfield. When we last visited them in pre-Covid times they were extremely hospitable and we hope we are able to suitably reciprocate thisafternoon. We hope they enjoy their visit to Ingfield and take away with them a suitable impression of Ossett United.

THE DUGOUT

GRANT BLACK - MANAGER

Looking forward to the season ahead we have to aim high. If we didn’t we’d be in the wrong game! As a club I think we have what it takes to be in the upper half of the table – to combine this with a good cup run would represent progress on previous seasons.

Welcome home to Ingfield. As much as the team love playing football anywhere, playing at home in front of our fans can’t be beaten. Your support can make a huge difference for the lads and we appreciate your backing over the coming season.

Our preseason campaign has been positive so far, as we’ve had the chance to try out a range of trialists, formations and playing players in different positions. Being able to do this now will reap rewards later in the season as we can adapt our squad in the face of injuries and suspensions. For me, preseason is about being ready for the season ahead rather than results. With the work the squad and the backroom staff have put in I’m confident we will hit the ground running in next week’s FA Cup game against 1874 Northwich.

Our new signings and (just as importantly) key retentions have gelled well over the past few weeks. We have lads at the club who I’ve worked with before. They know this league and what it takes to achieve promotion. Alongside our more experienced players, we’ve recruited young players well. This combination of youth and experience will serve us well during the season.

As always, enjoy today’s game and get behind the lads.

Blackie

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OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

THE OPPOSITION

Widnes FC’s origins can be traced back to 2003 when the club was originally formed as a youth football club.

In 2012, the groundwork was laid for the club to make the set up into senior football as in March of that year, a consultation process began with Widnes Vikings RLFC to become part of the Vikings Sports brand, a partnership that would enhance the clubs community status. A First Team was formed with the initial short-term goal of gaining admission into the North West Counties Football League under the guise of ‘Widnes Vikings FC.’

Steve Hill was appointed First Team manager in September 2012 and steered the Club to a 4th placed finish in its inaugural and so far, only season in the West Cheshire League Third Division. During this season, the Club also submitted its application to join the North West Counties Football League for the 2013/14 campaign. Prior to the new season, Widnes’ application was successful, and the Club began life in the North West Counties Football League Third Division with a 3-1 home defeat to Cheadle Town before winning their first game in the NWCFL with an emphatic 5-1 away win over Northwich Flixton Villa. Hill eventually guided his side to a 14th placed finish in their inaugural season in the First Division with 36 points from 36 games. Off the pitch, the Club would be renamed as Widnes Football Club after ending their partnership with Widnes Vikings.

THE OPPOSITION

The 2014/15 season saw the Club make significant progress in cup competitions. Widnes reached the last 16 of the League Cup before falling to eventual League Champions Glossop North End and reached the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, beating Prescot Cables before being knocked out in the last eight by eventual winners Skelmersdale United. The season also oversaw the Club’s first foray in the FA Vase. Widnes were knocked out in the Second Qualifying Round following a 2-0 defeat at AFC Emley.

Following the season’s conclusion, winger Ben Tollitt became the first former Widnes player to play for a Football League club as he signed a one -year deal with 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, after impressing on trial with Paul Cook’s side during pre-season. Tollitt’s performances earned the former Widnes man a one-year extension after scoring once in 16 games in all competitions for the EFL League Two club. Tollitt has since gone on to achieve two promotions with Tranmere Rovers, and is now on the books at Oldham in The National League. The following season saw the Club again reach the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, coming up against an Everton XI managed by David Unsworth. The young Toffees excelled in the game and beat Widnes 8-0 despite an admirable performance from the home side.

After a 13th placed finish, Chairman David Day and Manager Steve Hill stepped down from their roles, allowing a new Board of Directors and management team to be appointed to bring some much -needed new stimulus to the club. Mr Day remained on the newly established Board of Directors, headed by incoming Chairman Ian Ross that bring the necessary expertise and drive to enable the Club to progress over the coming seasons. Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard where appointed as joint managers heading into the 2016/17 season but later left the Club by mutual consent following an indifferent start to the season in September. Danny Salt was appointed interim manager, leading the side to a win and a draw in his two games in charge.

Former Burscough, Warrington Town and Runcorn Linnets manager Joey Dunn was appointed as new First Team Manager later that month. Dunn’s appointment led to a massive turnaround in results, with Widnes putting together a run of just two league defeats in their final 32 league games as the Whites surged to the North West Counties First Division title. The title and promotion was secured with a game to spare after a 5-1 win at AFC Blackpool, with Widnes winning 14 straight games to finish at the top of the pile. The Whites also performed admirably in cup competitions that season, reaching the last eight of both the League Cup and Liverpool Senior Cup, and the semi-final of the First Division Cup before losing out to eventual winners City of Liverpool. During the season, Kevin Towey became the Club’s new record goalscorer following a brace at Skelmersdale United in November – a record that still stands to this day at 72 goals.

THE OPPOSITION

The summer of 2017 oversaw the Club’s attempts to re-establish a junior setup with two youth teams at Under-7s and Under-9s, and the section has thrived ever-since become a pillar of the local community.

The 2017-18 season started with Widnes’ first-ever FA Cup game which ended in a heavy 5- 0 defeat at home to Handsworth Parramore at the Halton Stadium. Widnes would endure an inconsistent start to life in the North West Counties Premier Division (level 9 of the National League system) – the highest level in the Club’s short history.

Ultimately, manager Dunn would depart in early October, resigning from his position as manager. Senior players Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg were installed as player/joint- managers and would go on to enjoy a massively successful first foray into management. The duo began their stint with three successive 2-2 draws, with Widnes scoring late equalisers in each of those games to rescue a point. Their first win would come with an emphatic 5-1 win over Maine Road at the Halton Stadium as Sam Sheen netted twice.

THE OPPOSITION

Inconsistency would continue to plague the Whites in the following weeks, emphasised by a 3-3 draw at Padiham late in October that went viral after Widnes conceded twice in the last two minutes in a bizarre stoppage time period that was reported by various National Media outlets including the Guardian, the BBC and a feature on Soccer AM, while Champions League and World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas would tweet about the game on his Twitter account.

This would eventually have a positive effect on the side as Widnes never really looked back. A 3-0 home defeat to Charnock Richard in November would be the last time Widnes would taste defeat in the league until March as the Whites won 23 of their 25 remaining games to seal a second successive promotion to the Northern Premier League, beating out local rivals Runcorn Town on the final day. In truth, Widnes’ form from November onwards was remarkable, only tasting defeat twice against Marine (Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final) and Barnoldswick Town – a run that included a 5-1 home win over Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup, and league double over neighbours Runcorn Linnets.

The form would continue in the League Cup, as Widnes would end the season with a trophy after beating Burscough in the final at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium, with the Whites coming from behind to win with goals from Ben Hodkinson and a late Sheen winner.

The Club’s first season at Step 4 proved to be an inconsistent one, with co-bosses Akrigg and Towey ultimately guiding the side to a consolidatory 12 th placed finish. Widnes would again advance to the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final, losing to Prescot Cables on penalties. Widnes did add another trophy to the cabinet though with a 3-0 win at Runcorn Linnets to lift the North West Counties Champions Cup.

Widnes would once again consolidate their position in the NPL Division One North/West in 2019-20, sitting comfortably in mid-table when the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the campaign early. The Club did however reach the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time following an extraordinary replay win at Mossley in the preliminary round, in which Conor Ready netted a 93 rd minute winner after the nineman hosts had come from behind to equalise in the 90 th minute.

After the pandemic brought an early halt to the 2020-21 season, the Whites began the 2021-22 campaign with fresh optimism, but a poor start led to the departure of cobosses Akrigg and Towey after a hugely successful three-and-a-half-year spell in charge.

Dave Dempsey was appointed new manager in September 2021 and would steer the club away from relegation danger to a comfortable mid-table position – a run which included a highly impressive set of results and to date, the club’s best ever run in the FA Trophy.

The Club’s junior section continued to expand, with the total number of teams now standing at over 30 ahead of the 2022-23 season. After a poor start to the campaign, Dempsey was relieved of his position as manager and was replaced by Michael Ellison.

Player’s Number Sponsor

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VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

his starting line-up will look like come the 5th August, but one thing I do know is that Grant has assembled a very exciting squad of players with experience at this level and above, and young hungry players that look more than capable of doing a job.

Well, here we are, the start of the 6th season as Ossett United!

This is my supporters head talking now, and I’ll be honest, after the high’s of the first season with the playoffs and the County Cup win, I was sort of hoping we would at least be a step higher by now, but, we all know the struggles financially off the pitch, as well as Covid, that have hit us hard, and I for one hope we’ve put all that behind us now as we look to push onwards and upwards.

It’s been a mixed bag on the pitch this pre-season, as inevitably Grant and his management team have brought in a whole host of new players - a lot of which were thankfully sorted early - and there were positive performances against the likes of Horbury Town, Armthorpe, Worksop and Hemsworth, though not so much against Goole and Garforth. I’ll use that age old statement though that pre-season is about performances, fitness levels and giving the manager an idea of what

The most important thing for me today though is being back ‘home’. It seems an age ago since the final whistle blew at home to Grantham Town at the end of April, and this has been a strange preseason as we’ve normally had at least one or two home friendlies by now, but with the changing room extension and the pitch work ongoing it’s not been possible, and although today is a friendly I’m still looking forward to getting back behind the mic and bellowing out those immortal words, “This is the World Famous Ingfield…..!”

Today of course is the first of many games coming up at Ingfield, after today it’s 1874 Northwich in the FA Cup - that’s next Saturday (5th August), and then the following day it’s a charity match between Ossett United’s BTEC team and the Ossett United Supporters Club - and whilst my playing days ended a long, long time ago I will be back on the mic for that one too, if only to add a bit of in to proceedings - special walk out music already set up and ready to go.

The match is to raise funds for DAZLa local dance and health charity,

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

and the key organiser is Owen Gerrard from the BTEC team and the Media Team. Kick off is at 2pm, and the game is about fun, not parading z-list celebrities from FaceTube that nobody over the age of 14 as ever heard of, get yourselves down and see some familiar faces from the terraces make fools of themselves! Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions and under 16’s, to pre-book head to the club website (ossettutd.com) and click on the link for tickets.

Finally, I’ve decided to mix things up a bit at half-time this season, and it’s the turn of the season ticket holders. A few days before every game a random season ticket holder will pick a year between 1960 and 2023, I will then select 4 or 5 top hits from that year - today it is songs from 1961, they will be songs that you all know, nothing obscure, and 1961 will not be repeated this season.

So from me, welcome back and enjoy the game.

Craig.

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THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN

The King of the Copa

When you think of the greats of South America football, a few obvious names spring to mind. Pelè, Maradona, Di Stefano. All legends in their time. But while they made their mark on the global and, in the Argentinians’ case, the European game, one name stands out above all others in their home continent. It is a name unfamiliar to Europeans. The Ecuadorian born son of a Jamaican oil worker, and at one time potential England international, Alberto Pedro Spencer Herrera spent the 1960s dominating South America’s premier club competition, and building himself a legacy that has lasted ever since.

Born in the Ecuadorian city of Ancón, he spent most of his childhood idly playing in the streets, embarrassing players much older than him. At 15 he was snapped up by local club Everest and immediately introduced to the first team. Not that Alberto found this daunting. Quick, powerful, two-footed with a great leap, he made light work of more experienced defenders. By 21, he had played almost 93 games, and scored 101 goals. The continent’s giants were beginning to take notice.

He was initially loaned to Barcelona SC, the biggest club in Ecuador, but he had barely kicked a ball before Uruguayan royalty Peñarol, signing him after a friendly. In the fiery atmosphere of the Uruguayan Primera División, Spencer carved his name into the bedrock of South America football. Peñarol won the league at a canter, scoring 44 goals in just 18 games and with the Ecuadorian leading the charts. More importantly, they secured qualification for the inaugural Copa Libertadores, South America’s answer to the European Cup.

Spencer took to the competition like a duck to water. Peñarol began their campaign with the

THE UNTOLD GAME

MARTYN GREEN

7-1 demolition of Bolivian champions Jorge Wilstermann, the Ecuadorian netting four times, the first four of an unbroken record of 54 goals over the next decade. With the competition in its infancy, Peñarol advanced immediately to the semi-finals, where they met Argentinian champions San Lorenzo. After a draw in the first leg. Spencer dominated the second leg, scoring twice to fire his side into the final, where they met Paraguayan’s Olimpia. Again, he scored the match-winning goal, and Peñarol were continental champions. A heavy defeat to Real Madrid in the continental cup didn’t sour the achievement, although revenge was vowed.

Peñarol won the league and retained the Copa the following year. Real Madrid had lost their European, meaning the Uruguayans would first travel to Lisbon to take on Eusebio-inspired Benfica.

A 1-0 first leg defeat was of little concern, and when the Portuguese turned up in Montevideo it was to a cacophony of noise. The European champions fell to a 5-0 defeat, Spencer scoring twice. But with the rules of the intercontinental cup not quite set (and, presumably, Europe unwilling to lose its dominance), the tie was balanced at one victory each. A deciding playoff was hastily arranged. Peñarol came out on top, and with no excuses this time, they were champions of the world.

Spencer’s record in the intercontinental cup - he would score three goals in 1966 as Peñarol secured a third Copa and then extracted revenge from Real Madrid - makes him the second highest goalscorer in that competition as well, one goal behind Pelè. The Urugayan’s would win their own league eight times in the ten seasons that Spencer led their line, as he amassed 326 goals to become their (still) record goalscorer. Peñarol were named the best South American team of the twentieth century, to put that achievement into context.

By 1970, with his pace beginning to desert him and his body beginning to slow down, Spencer

THE UNTOLD GAME

MARTYN GREEN

moved back to Ecuador and Barcelona SC. He helped them to the title in his first season, and added the final of his goals in the Copa. He finished his career with more than 500 goals, but only 17 caps because of Ecuador’s poor quality on the international stage. He did play five times for Uruguay, during which time he became the only Ecuadorian to score at Wembley against England, quite a feat consider Ecuador have never played England at Wembley.

His place in history seemingly secure, Alberto Spencer retired to the United States. His shock - and the anger of South American football - was provoked when he was left out of both FIFA and Pelè’s 100 greatest players of the twentieth century. Perhaps if he had been born in a better footballing nation, he would be held in similar regard to the great Brazilian.

Martyn Green edits The Untold Game.

A number of excellent articles telling the untold stories of the beautiful game can be found at www.theuntoldgame.co.uk or on social media @theuntoldgame

CLUB HISTORY

THE FORMATION

OSSETT UNITED WAS CREATED ON THE 1ST 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

NPL STATUS AND MAINTAIN THAT LEVEL OF FOOTBALL FOR A REMARKABLE PERIOD OF TIME

EARLY HISTORY

THE TWO CLUBS MERGED UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF A NEW BOARD BROUGHT TOGETHER FROM THE TWO PREVIOUS CLUBS THE FOUNDING DIRECTORS WERE JOHN CHIDLAW (OA), JAMES ROGERS (OT), EMMA CHIDLAW (OA), DAWN

ROGERS (OT), LEE

SUMMERSCALES (OA) AND LEE BROADBENT (OT) FORMING THE NEW BOARD WITH SUPPORT FROM PHIL SMITH AS CEO. JOHN CHIDLAW

TOOK ON THE ROLE OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE FIRST

SEASON. 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

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 . OFF THE PITCH THINGS WERE NOT AS SUCCESSFUL WITH A NUMBER OF RESIGNATIONS AND BOARD CHANGES 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

FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF BOARD CHANGES.

WAYNE BENN TOOK UP THE MANAGERIAL REIGNS IN LATE 2019 FOLLOWING A POOR START TO THE 2019/20 SEASON, HOWEVER, THAT SEASON WAS ENDED ABRUPTLY IN MARCH 2020 WITH THE ONSET OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC KNOWN AS COVID 19 THE SEASON WAS NULL AND VOIDED. OFF THE PITCH 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

2022/2023

COLLIVER AND WARD OVERHAULED THE PLAYING SQUAD FOR THE SEASON AHEAD, BUT SIX GAMES IN THE PARTNERSHIP WAS ENDED AS WARD CHOSE TO LEAVE HIS POSITION AS JOINT MANAGER, COLLIVER REMAINED IN

CLOSEST SUPPORTERS TO AVOID THE CLUB GOING INTO LIQUIDATION (AT WORST) OR SELLING THE INGFIELD GROUND (AT BEST).

THE START OF THE 2020/21 SEASON STARTED LATE DUE TO THE ONGOING PANDEMIC AND VIRTUALLY FINISHED AS SOON AS IT HAD STARTED WITH ONLY EIGHT LEAGUE GAMES HAVING BEEN PLAYED BY UNITED THIS TIME THE SEASON WAS CURTAILED RATHER THAN NULL AND VOIDED AND MEANT A SECOND SEASON HAD GONE UNFINISHED.

OFF THE PITCH ROGERS AND SMITH SWAPPED ROLES DUE TO SMITH 'S WORK COMMITMENTS AND ROGERS TOOK 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 THE 2021/22 SEASON STARTED POSITIVELY WITH OPTIMISM HIGH, BUT AN UNFORTUNATE RUN OF INJURIES COUPLED WITH A DOWNTURN IN RESULTS SAW WAYNE BENN REPLACED BY JAS COLLIVER AND MARK WARD IN DECEMBER 2021.

THERE WAS A LARGE CHANGE OF PLAYING PERSONNEL AND DESPITE SOME POOR RESULTS AWAY FROM HOME UNITED WON SEVEN AND DREW TWO OF OF THE FINAL NINE HOME GAMES, ENDING THE SEASON IN NINTH PLACE, ONCE AGAIN WITH HIGH HOPES FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR

SOLE CHARGE FOR A FURTHER THREE LEAGUE GAMES BEFORE THE BOARD MADE THE DECISION TO REPLACE HIM WITH GRANT BLACK IN OCTOBER 2022.

THE SIDE WENT ON A FIVE MATCH UNBEATEN RUN AND SAW SOME MAJOR

SURGERY OF THE PLAYING STAFF TOO MANY DRAWS SAW THE CLUB SLIP DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE RELEGATION PLAYOFF PLACES BEFORE NPL EAST SAFETY WAS ASSURED ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE SEASON.

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There are many diferent volunteer roles in non-league football and Northern Premier League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new online Volunteer Hub where you can fnd opportunities and contact your local football club.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to fnd out more

Joe GREEN

Fabian BAILEY

Jimmy BURKE

Harry COATES

Jayden JOHN

Jacob McLOUGHLIN

Paddy MILLER

Josh WOODCOCK

Corey GREGORY

Dec O’HARE

Josh LINDLEY

Derry ROBSON

TJ IBRAHIM

Sam KELLY

Alex PETERSON

Charlie REANEY