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New Woodley boss relishing challenge

19/ 3/2008

NEWLY-appointed Woodley Sports manager Ash Berry will be busting a gut over the final stretch of the season in an attempt to make sure his new side at least remain in second-bottom spot in the UniBond League Division One North.

Berry was installed as Chris Willcock’s successor last Friday, but just watched from the stand on Saturday as his new charges slipped to another defeat - this time 3-1 at Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Woodley have 10 games left this season and, should they slip into the bottom spot, then a disastrous relegation back into the North West Counties league could beckon, although even then they could be reprieved as Newcastle Blue Star have announced that they will leave the UniBond in May to take their place back in the Northern League.

Huddersfield-based Berry told the Express: "I don’t want to be too reliant on what the FA may decide despite Newcastle’s intention to quit the league.

"In my opinion no team will now be relegated from our division, but despite us only having 10 games left now, my aim is for us to finish in the second-bottom spot at the very least.

"I want us to stay up on merit, and now that I’m here we’ll be giving it a right go.

"I’m enthusiastic about our prospects here at Woodley and I’m relishing the challenge, but I am going to be busy this week trying to draft some new blood before transfer deadline day this weekend."

Berry is hoping to have a minimum of three new players in his squad by Saturday’s 11am deadline, although as many as six have already been targeted.

Woodley travel to mid-table Rossendale United on Good Friday, kick off 3pm.

Berry is currently on the coaching staff at Huddersfield Town, and will remain so, while he has been involved in management at semi-pro level for 10 years.

A decent player at district level, Berry was then an assistant manager at Ossett Albion and Wakefield, and assistant and caretaker manager at Clitheroe, and more recently manager in his own right at Bridlington Town.

Berry will be assisted by Dave Sullivan, while George Smith will continue at Lambeth Grove in a director of football capacity.

Sports’ club chairman Peter Sullivan said: "Ash comes very highly recommended and I’m delighted to have him on board."

WOODLEY Sports host FC United of Manchester on Easter Monday [24th]. The game kicks-off at 3pm. Admission costs £8 for adults and £4 for children, OAPs and concessions. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis and costs an extra £2.