GRAY: “FANS CAN PLAY A BIG PART”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington manager Nick Gray has called on the public to come out in force on Saturday (October 12) when the Colliers take on Stocksbridge Park Steels in their Northern Premier League East Division clash at Woodhorn Lane (3pm).

Gray – installed into the managerial hot seat last Sunday – will be in the dugout for the first time on Saturday and is hoping for a bumper crowd to come through the turnstiles and have the place ‘rocking.’

He said: “I firmly believe that they (the fans) can play a big part. If they get behind the players will it lift them? 100 per cent it will. I know attendances have been down but especially in this area if they see attractive football and they see people giving work ethic – although I’m not saying the lads haven’t been giving it – then they’ll come back. I would love to see the public out in their droves to support us. The club had a gate of 400 against Sherwood Colliery and during their run in the FA Cup run last year they got crowds of over 1.000. A lot of fans in Northumberland pick a game to go to – and I’d like them to come and watch us.”

He continued: “There is the International break so there are no games involving Newcastle United or Sunderland – and I would love to see Woodhorn Lane rocking. The lads will be giving 100 per cent effort and work rate and will get a lift from the supporters – and if you cannot play football on the Woodhorn Lane pitch in what is a great stadium, then there is no point in having a pitch like that. If the fans see that there is some structure and shape to our game – again I’m not saying that there hasn’t been – they can help the players and give them confidence.”

Tickets for Saturday’s match can be bought online on the following link:

https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/event/asn2425home06/ashington-afc-vs-stocksbridge-park-steels-fc