Ollerton Town can announce that we shall be re-forming our Reserve side for next season whilst being aware that there is yet no time frame for when next season shall take place.

This new Reserve side shall replace our under 18's side from last season with that squad making the step up to men's football for the very first time. This will mean that manager Richard Walker has guided our youngsters through every level of junior football to their first entry into the men's game.

We last had a Reserve side back in 2011, when we were in the Central Midlands League, and the club are delighted to announce that we have accepted a position in the Central Midlands Division One North, a league that will see us come up against the likes of Retford United Reserves and Harworth Colliery Reserves.

Whilst our under 18's will form the nucleus of our Reserves team, it shall also include members of our first team squad when appropriate whilst Walker and assistant Lee Jordan are already targeting players they hope will come in and give the team some much-needed experience.

We sat down with Richard to get his thoughts on the step up to men's football next season.

Firstly, what will it mean to you to manager a side in the Central Midlands League?

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 with Dave, Steve and Lee 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.

You've had this set of lads for a very long time. How do you think they will handle the move?

I've had some of these players since they were 6 or 7 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.

What are your hopes for your first season? Any idea of how it will go?

I think the first few months will depend on how quick the new and old players gel together and get use to playing my way. 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. 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.

Do you have any transfer targets ahead of next season?

I have spoken to 4 or 5 lads at the minute who I know and who will bring in a bit of experience and I am looking for 1 or 2 more who can help manage the young lads on the pitch. I'm sure myself, Lee and the first team management staff will get our heads together very soon, one way or another, but it will also be about waiting to see who turns up to training for pre-season. That's if we get a chance to have one with this current situation!

And finally, how was your first season with the club?

The support the club has given me, Lee and the players has been excellent. The first team lads have been fantastic and really encouraged them. Everyone wants to know how we got on with our matches on a Saturday morning and some have come to watch us home and away. Adge always rings me every week for a chat whilst Dave been supportive, looking out for all the lads at training. When we first joined, the committee helped us do things like raffles at our friendlies which helped us massively too. I've only been here for one year but I already feel a part of the club and like I have been here for years.