By Brian Bennett

Andrew Anderson says he is looking forward to the start of the new season with Ashington.

The 26-year-old has joined the Colliers after a long serving spell with Cramlington United and said: “It’s a great opportunity for me and a great step up. Obviously after being with Cramlington United, I’ve come from the Northern Alliance and jumped past the Northern League into the Pitching In Northern Premier League – and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve enjoyed pre-season and have got a few friends here already which has obviously helped me to settle in the changing room. I’ve got to work hard and see where I can get to – and my aim is to stay in the team.”

Ashington’s assistant manager Liam McIvor said: “Andrew is a player who has been at Cramlington United for most of his career. He has made the decision to join us and I think he’s more than capable of doing well and has already impressed in his short time with us. I’ve known Andrew for a long time and when manager Nick Gray mentioned him recently, we got him in to play in our first friendly against North Shields. Andrew was good when he came on and followed that up with another eye-catching performance against AFC Newbiggin last week and he’s been brilliant in training.”

McIvor continued: “I think Andrew will become a fans favourite – he’s got that aura about him and wears his heart on his sleeve on the pitch. He is a holding midfielder who can play box to box or anywhere in the midfield. He’s exactly the type of player we want, and the squad is starting to come together now.”