Ossett United's new defender Tom Cropper ready to take on big challenge

New Ossett United signing Tom Cropper is confident he can make a step up in level after joining the Northern Premier League side from AFC Mansfield.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The no nonsense defender has long since been a target for Ossett management duo Jas Colliver and Mark Ward and they are delighted to have him on board now for the 2022-23 season.

He will add competition for places in the back line and is no stranger to popping up with some important goals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cropper said: “I’m ready for the step up in level, I know it’s going to challenge me but I’m up for the challenge ahead.

New signing Tom Cropper is keen top take a step up with Ossett United after joining from AFC Mansfield.New signing Tom Cropper is keen top take a step up with Ossett United after joining from AFC Mansfield.
New signing Tom Cropper is keen top take a step up with Ossett United after joining from AFC Mansfield.

“The lads are a great bunch and I’ve noticed a difference in the standard just in training.

“Both Jas and Wardy have high standards, the training has been tough but enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the games coming up now and meeting the fans that the lads keep talking about.”

Manager Ward added: “We are happy to get this deal done, we tried to sign TC last season but he chose to be loyal to AFC Mansfield as he was the captain there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He has fitted in really well, keen to learn and he looks extremely fit.”

Former Rotherham United Academy right-back Prince Attakorah, meanwhile, has committed to the Ossett club for the coming season.

Ossett will start their new season in the Northern Premier League East with an away trip to Carlton Town on Saturday, August 13, one week after the FA Cup Extra Preliminary game against New Mills at Ingfield.

The season will end on Saturday, April 22 at home to Grantham Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other notable fixtures include local derbies against Brighouse Town on Monday, December 26 (away) and Monday, April 10 (home) and Pontefract Collieries on Monday, August 29 (away) and Monday, January 2 (home).

Ossett fielded three trialists as they began their pre-season warm-up matches at Penistone Church and lost 2-1.

They had to play the second half with 10 men after Craig Nelthorpe was red carded and conceded a goal in each half before one of the trialists found the net on 76 minutes.

A second pre-season game follows against a Bradford City XI at Ingfield this Saturday (3pm) and Ossett also host Barnsley U23s next Tuesday (7.30pm).

Related topics: