Ollerton Town to reform reserve side

The team, which will be managed by current U18’s boss Richard Walker, will replace the club’s U18 side and compete in next season’s Central Midlands Division One North.

The U18’s is expected to form the nucleus of the reserves, which was last run by the club in 2011, and will also include first team squad players when needed.

Walker said: “It will be my first time managing in men's football so it will be a step up for me, that's for sure.

“It's also why I've enjoyed my time helping out with the first team, learning from them. I'm looking forward to seeing if my style of play will work at this level.

“I've had some of these players since they were six or seven-years old so yes, it's been a long time.

“They know my methods and it could be an advantage as we all know each other so well.

“Stepping up into the Central Midlands will be a massive challenge and education for them, make no mistake.

“I know some will strive at this level when others may have to take their time to progress and find their feet.

“Training week in, week out with the first team has given them an insight into what it's about and a couple have already played in the first team as well which will help.”

And Walker admitted he was excited about seeing local lads putting on their home town shirt.

“One thing is for sure, they will be exciting to watch so we are hoping to get a few supporters down when we are at home,” he said.

“The best thing about the team is that most are local lads who live within a few miles of the ground and they love wearing the shirt of Ollerton Town.

“How we will do will depend on how quick the new and old players gel together and get use to playing my way.”

Walker also praised the club for the support received in his first season at Ollerton.

“The first team lads have been fantastic and really encouraged them (U18 team),” he added.

“Everyone wants to know how we got on with our matches. I've only been here for one year but I already feel a part of the club and have been here years.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the cronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you