By Brian Bennett
Ashington Football Club’s recently appointed manager Marc Ellison admitted that he has begun the close season feeling in ‘uncharted waters.’
Ellison, along with skipper Karl Ross, was placed in interim charge of the Colliers in late January after Nick Gray and his assistant Liam McIvor left the club by mutual agreement.
The Woodhorn Lane outfit were fifth from bottom of the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League, two points above the drop zone but under Ellison and Ross, Ashington won seven and drew four of their remaining 16 games.
Ellison was named as the permanent boss – his first ever role in management – less than 24 hours after Ashington had cemented a 6-3 victory over Lincoln United on the final day of the season with the club finishing the campaign in 14th place.
In his playing days, the midfielder would now been enjoying a well earned period of rest and recuperation from the game – but approaching a month in his new role, Ellison said: “It’s certainly not something I’m used to, being busy with football at this stage of the year. Normally by now I’ve switched off completely and am enjoying a good six-week break, so this is definitely uncharted waters for me. That said, it’s been good to stay busy — maybe not quite to the rhythm the wife was expecting — but hopefully all the work going on now will be worth it come the start of the season.”
He continued: “As everyone knows, there’s a fairly small pool of players in our area and a lot of clubs are competing for the same lads, so naturally conversations are taking place. But it’s important to remember we already have a really good squad here. We finished last season strongly and the priority is to keep hold of that group and build on what they achieved. All of our lads deserve that opportunity and they’ve all been offered the chance to stay, so hopefully that works itself out positively.”
He went on: “Having only recently come away from playing myself, I understand how important it is for players to switch off during the summer, and I also know good players won’t be short of options. Because of that, without trying to press too many buttons too early, I’ve spoken to a handful of players I’d like to bring in. But as I’ve said before, we’ve already got a strong group in place, so if we can add the right people and the right qualities, hopefully we can improve again this season.”
He went on: “I mentioned before how I’d found my excitement and enjoyment for football again towards the back end of last season, and that feeling hasn’t changed at all. I’m really looking forward to getting back to it in a few weeks’ time.”