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Ally on the brink?

Simon Smedley
15/10/2008

WOODLEY Sports manager Ally Pickering was set for showdown talks with club board members last night [Tues] after he revealed that there were ‘one or two problems’ with his playing budget.

Pickering, who rejoined the Steelmen for a second spell as manager in the summer after Ash Berry left, was to have a meeting with club secretary Rod Haslam and director Darrin Whittaker in an attempt to avert any issues which could possibly lead to him quitting the club for a second time.

Pickering told us on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the evening’s home UniBond League President’s Cup game against Salford City: "I’m going to be going in for a chat with Rod and Darrin after the Salford game. There are one or two problems with my budget.

"I’ll go in and see what they have to say, and then speak to the players before making a decision."

It is believed that Pickering’s squad budget may have been slashed, and he’s clearly disappointed.

The manager added: "It’s taken a little while to get the lads going this season, but the disappointing thing is that we now look like we’re finally getting somewhere. We’re not far away. We’ve got a strong squad now, and I’ve been pleased with their progress."

Woodley are in currently in 11th place in the UniBond First Division North table - just four points shy of the play-off positions - following Saturday’s 0-0 home draw against Garforth Town.

On Saturday the Steelmen travel to Ossett Albion.

Meanwhile, Woodley chiefs have placed two of their bright young prospects on contracts.

They are 16-year-old youth team player Antoni Sarcevic, and 19-year-old striker Mike Clarke.

Clarke, who has already been eyed by Blackburn, came on as a sub against Garforth and hit the crossbar.

Stockport County have been running the rule over him this week at the Hatters’ Manor Farm training ground.