By Brian Bennett

Nick Gray openly admitted that the season just ended has been the most challenging of his management career.

Gray said after Ashington’s 1-0 win at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday: “It was a nice way to finish the season off but on a personal note, this year has been the most challenging season for me. It hasn’t been enjoyable at times. I’ve made mistakes and I think the club have made some mistakes as well and we’ve got to learn and go forward as a club. Football is my release and it hasn’t been at times this year. It’s been hard to take – and at times it has also been for my assistant Liam McIvor.”

He continued: “At this level, it’s been a tough, tough season. There have been a lot of changes during the campaign. No disrespect but we have made mistakes with some of the lads we have brought in whilst on the other hand, we have made some great signings. It’s hard to change things and I look at myself and I’ve got to see whether people take information on board from me or not. The club deserves to be at this level but there are lessons to be learned from everyone – but let’s enjoy the day and see what tomorrow brings.”

McIvor said: “On the season – it’s been up and down. There have been some hard games where we have been poor. There have been some good ones too – this is a good day – and special mention to Max Monaghan who is only 18-year-old and who did very well. We need to be on the same page. This is an unbelievable club with an unbelievable fan base and we need to make sure lessons are learned from this season and give them (fans) something to cheer about. We need to make sure we tidy things up on and off the pitch to give them that success.”