James Walshaw Announcement
22/04/2025
Following a playing career of over 20 years, James Walshaw has made the difficult decision to end his playing days on Saturday as we host Newton Aycliffe in the Pitching In NPL East.
Walshaw started his career as a teenager at Ossett Town and went on to represent, with distinction, sides such as Guiseley, Harrogate Town, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Scarborough Athletic and in 2018 as part of the Northern Premier League’s 50th anniversary celebrations he was voted number 46 in the top 100 NPL players of all time.
Over the coming days we will delve into his career that has seen multiple promotions, top goal scorer awards and ultimately a move into management this season.
He has united and added to a squad that was at the foot of the table when he was appointed ensuring success by overseeing the clubs rise out of the danger zone and able to now look forward to a full pre-season ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
Walshaw admits it has been a very difficult decision to call time on his playing career, at 41 years old he has a wealth of personal experience and contacts he can call upon as he continues his journey in management. If it is half as successful as his playing career has been Ossett United fans can expect some exciting times ahead.
Walshaw “I’ve had the privilege of playing for some truly fantastic clubs throughout my career, far too many to name individually, and I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity, every teammate, manager, staff member, and supporter who has been part of the journey. Football has given me memories that will last a lifetime, and I’ve learned so much from every environment I’ve been part of~.
“After much reflection, I feel now is the right time to turn the page and fully dedicate myself to my role in management”.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my playing days, those experiences have helped and will help within management moving forwards”.
Ossett United Chairman, Phil Smith: “Having had the pleasure of getting to know Wally over the years both as a player and now as a manager, I can say that he is extremely knowledgeable, obsessively meticulous and fantastic leader. Over the last season he has picked up a squad who had everything against them and turned the team into a very formidable hard-working solid unit. It has been a pleasure to witness his transition from phenomenal player into new, upcoming and already impressive manage”.
Tickets are available to buy now for the game on Saturday, with cash and card also accepted on the day.
Over the coming days we will be sharing stories and comments from some of Wally's former clubs, please do interact with our social media accounts and let us know your favourite moments from his playing career!