By Brian Bennett

Ashington manager Nick Gray has pinpointed ‘commitment’ as being a major ingredient ahead of the upcoming new campaign in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Speaking minutes before his squad reported back for pre season training, Gray said: “I’m really pleased with the way things are going because I’ve kept the players at the club who I wanted to stay. I think the key thing from last year is the commitment. We know what the league is about, we know what the travelling is and we know there are going to be local games. We have to got be 100 per cent committed because last year was a learning curve for all of us – it was disappointing for everyone, the club, the players and the supporters and we want to make this year a memorable one. People who know me know what I’m all about. I’ll always back my players and they will know what I need from them and if they do that, then we’ll be fine.”

He continued: “Squad wise it’s all about being patient. I’m looking to bring new players in before the start of the season and we are having a look at some promising young lads – but they have got to deliver in the training sessions and the friendlies. From a manager’s perspective, pre-season is the second worst time of the year – and it’s getting even worse with what’s gone from the end of last season until now. You can speak to over 20 players; you do a lot of miles and what gets done behind the scenes by a lot of management is hard work. Now it’s about the individuals – the players – as to what they get out of pre-season. It’s about fitness and players getting to know each other – and the lads will be under no illusion as to what I want from them. We’ve got friendlies lined up which obviously you’d like to win – but its not the be all and end all. At this time of the year some players have holidays, so you’ve got to mix and match but it gives you the chance to have a good look at the squad.”