By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC begin a series of warm up games on Tuesday (July 5) when they make the short trip up the Northumberland coast to play Alnwick Town at St James’ Park (7.30pm kick-off).

And manager Ian Skinner is looking forward to seeing his revamped squad in competitive action after revealing that pre season at Woodhorn Lane is going ‘really well.’

Skinner said: “We’ve had four really good sessions – and as you would expect, a lot of the players have reported back in very good shape which is the modern way. It is a delight because it is their job to be fit whilst it is my job to mould them together and get them to interact with each other and to make a squad out of them. Fitness levels have been good and we’ve started to drop in some tactical practices around how we want to play for next season.”

He continued: “Things are going along really well and we are very much looking forward to the warm up games – and so are the players – because they will openly tell you that they would much prefer to play rather than to train. The players will be in twice again this week leading into the first friendly at Alnwick – then the games come thick and fast after that. However, I’m pleased with how things are shaping up and as the captain (Ben Harmison) has already said, the talking stops and the business starts!”

Ashington’s second friendly – which also has a 7.30pm start – is away to Blyth Town on Friday July 8.