By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie
Ashington goalkeeping coach Tom Read has waxed lyrical about teenage stopper Tyler Jones – ahead of the youngster’s loan spell coming to an end.
Jones came to the club in a hastily arranged move before the Colliers Isuzu FA Trophy match away against Garforth Town in August after both goalkeepers at the Woodhorn Lane-based outfit – Matty Alexander and Joseph Herdman – picked up injuries inside a freak 15 minutes spell at training.
Alexander broke a finger whilst Herdman rolled an ankle.
Read said: “Tyler joined us the day before we played Garforth and to see where he is now from when he started with us is massive. In terms of growth, I’m just so proud of the way he has adapted not only as a person but to senior football as he is a lot more calm and composed. When he came to us he looked like a youngster – and I really believe that he’s leaving us as a man who is ready for senior football.”
Read – who also appreciated the assistance he received from Ryan Hammer from I2I – added: “Tyler has taken to it well – he hasn’t hid behind anything – and he’s faced everything well. He’s enjoyed big moments for us and I think about two saves in-particular – the block which he made against Blyth Town in the last minute to secure us a point but especially the save at Bradford Park Avenue even though we lost the game. That flick over is as good a save as I’ve ever witnessed in my 14 years of coaching.”
He continued: “I’m very confident that Tyler has enjoyed it and he said to me when his loan move was extended earlier on that it was like receiving a gift at Christmas. It was huge for him. He’s a 17 year old but is so mature and what has pleased me is his hunger and desire to be better. He wants everything to be perfect and has given 110 per cent for Ashington. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Newcastle United because when this loan was agreed – and credit to Ashington manager Nick Gray and secretary Gav Perry that it was done very quickly – it’s been my job to relay back to Newcastle United’s coaches how Tyler has been performing. I’ve been liaising with Tony Caig and Paul Barron and it’s been brilliant listening to how both of them have responded as to how Tyler has been doing with us both on and off the pitch. That’s down to him (Tyler) and the environment he has walked into at Ashington with everyone at the club.”
He went on: “One of the toughest parts for our goalkeepers is watching someone else in the limelight but seeing how Matty (Alexander) and Joseph Herdman have nurtured Tyler and taken him under their wing is what it’s all about. I know Tyler settled in well and has learned a lot – just like Matty and Joseph have learned off him. We forget that he’s only 17 years of age but everyone who has watched him will see how much time he has invested with us whilst his family – who follow him up and down the country – have all bought into our club. I’m really proud that we have given Tyler his first taste of senior football. During his spell with us, I asked Tyler when the time came, to finish his loan spell with us with no regrets – and I would hope he will have none.”