By Brian Bennett
It’s been a busy week for Ashington manager Nick Gray who has brought in three new players – goalkeeper Michael Hogan on loan from neighbours Blyth Spartans, midfielder Marc Ellison from Heaton Stannington and defender Scott Lowery from Dunston UTS.
Hogan and Ellison were both named in the starting line up in Saturday’s clash against Ossett United whilst Lowery – who wore the Colliers colours a few years ago – came on as a substitute.
Following the 2-1 win, the trio gave their thoughts about linking up with the Woodhorn Lane club:
Michael Hogan: “I’m buzzing to be honest. I know Nick Gray from the past and I’m excited about getting some game time. On Saturday conditions were very tough but I thought the lads were excellent. They gave everything they had on the pitch; we stuck together and obviously got the win which was very nice. Defensively in the first period we didn’t have much to do but second half with the elements against us, there was a lot more pressure. However, I thought the lads handled it very well.”
Marc Ellison: “The move happened really quickly to be honest. I got a phone call from Nick (Gray) saying that he had spoken to Heaton Stannington and they were happy for me to talk to him. I’ve worked with Nick and Liam (McIvor) before and at my age, game time is a big thing because I just want to play and enjoy myself. I already knew a couple of the lads and I’m happy to be here – and everyone knows how good the team is on paper is but the league position doesn’t lie. It was a good win today – and I can’t believe that the way the fixtures fall, that I’ll be going back to play against my former club (Heaton Stannington) on Boxing Day. It’s a good time to come to Ashington as we face two six pointers but we’ve all got to jump in and help each other.”
Scott Lowery: “I’m over the moon to sign. I’ve got a lot of good friends here (at Ashington) and I know Nick and Liam really well. I loved playing for them at Whitley Bay and I’m delighted to be back at Ashington. I had a bit of a tough start to the season with Dunston UTS after picking up a few injuries and consequently I didn’t play as much as I wanted to. I had a chat with Nick (Gray) then I also spoke to Craig Spooner and Karl Ross – who are my mates – and they said the changing room is brilliant, the lads are great but the squad were just missing a bit of experience and a bit of fight. It was a no brainer to sign.”
Boss Gray gave his thoughts about the three newcomers:
Michael Hogan: “Michael has had some experience at Blyth which is great for him. He obviously wants to play consistently and regularly and he’s going to get opportunities during his loan spell here. Today in difficult conditions, I thought he did well. Obviously there are things to work on but at the age of 19 he’s only young. He’s a lad who is prepared to learn and work hard – and he’s a good goalkeeper.”
Marc Ellison: “I thought Marc was the difference today against Ossett United. He was a rash for us giving us energy in the midfield and he didn’t let players for Ossett pick passes out. He’s a quiet lad but is intelligent on the pitch and I thought that showed. I’ve worked with him before and he’s got great experience.”
Scott Lowery: “Scott is another player who I have worked with previously and even though we have got two very good centre halves, they need to have a bit of competition. Scott has been a little bit unlucky at Dunston but now he’s fully fit. He is really good in both boxes and I know he will improve the squad.”