Fans Forum Summary – Saturday 7th February 2026
Welcome and Introductions
Chair Nicola Sanders-Cooper welcomed everyone and thanked those who came along. With the fixture postponed and players already present at the ground, it was felt this was a good opportunity to hold an open forum and give supporters the chance to ask questions directly.
Nicola introduced the directors in attendance – Brian Shotton and Gavin Perry – along with interim management Marc Ellison and Karl Ross.
Board Update
Brian Shotton – Director Role
Brian explained the background to his return to the football board.
The Club operates across two separate businesses:
- The building, bar and facilities – Ashington Community Football Club Limited
- The football operation – Ashington Association Football Club Limited
Brian has remained involved on the building and facilities side. He resigned as Chairman in July 2024 and formally stepped down as a director of the football side in September 2024, feeling at the time he had taken that role as far as he could. After a period away, he has decided to return and support the Club again.
He reminded supporters that all board members work full-time elsewhere, some out of the country, and give their time voluntarily, so work and home life do come first. All directors do, however, take their roles seriously as custodians of this football club. There have been several positive ideas put forward to strengthen the Club financially, though implementing them takes time and capacity.
Interim Management and Future Plans
Fan Question: What is the process for appointing a permanent manager, and what is the current state of suspensions?
Gavin Perry: With 16 games remaining, the board must carefully consider whether now is the right time to make a permanent appointment. Many managers prefer to bring in their own players, and making a change at this stage could create disruption.
Brian Shotton: reiterated that bringing a new manager in now could result in further upheaval. Nothing has been ruled in or out.
Suspensions Update
- Karl Ross – 2 games remaining
- Marc Ellison – 3 games remaining
Communication and Social Media
A supporter raised concerns about recent social media criticism, that while everyone is entitled to an opinion, some commentary can feel personal rather than constructive. At times, it appears agenda-driven, which can be disheartening for those involved at the Club who are giving their time freely and put themselves in the ‘firing line’.
Nicola Sanders-Cooper: We welcome feedback and acknowledge that communication can improve, but we often cannot release certain information or do so in a timely manner for various reasons.
Recently, the club received criticism after an opposition side announced a postponement before us and before it had been formally confirmed by the league. We are required to wait for confirmation from the NPL before making any announcement; otherwise, we risk potential sanctions. In that instance, the situation was outside our control. It serves as a reminder that matters are not always as straightforward as they may appear.
Nicola reiterated that the board is approachable. Directors can be spoken to at matches and contacted via email. The board meets weekly, including one member (Drew Tinsley) who joins remotely from Dubai at 11 pm. The commitment is there, and supporters were asked to work with the board rather than against it.
Brian Shotton: Feedback is always noted, though it is not always constructive and can feel like certain members of the club are targets at times. He has always believed the club should be as accessible as possible and has always taken pride in transparency. Football clubs may operate as businesses, but they represent a wider community and carry that responsibility. At the same time, as with any organisation, certain information can be commercially or personally sensitive and cannot always be shared publicly. He added that the board’s focus is on getting things done and keeping the club moving forward. While consultation is welcomed wherever possible, there are occasions when decisions must be made quickly or within regulatory limits, and it is not always practical to seek wider input beforehand.
Sponsorship and Financial Position
Nicola Sanders-Cooper expressed the ongoing challenge of securing sponsorship. Many businesses are under pressure, making it difficult to attract new partners. The possibility of appointing a dedicated salesperson has been discussed and will continue to be explored.
The Club is currently fourth in average league attendance, which is positive. However, average attendances have dropped from over 500 per match in previous seasons to just over 300 this year (excluding Blyth Spartans fixture which attracted a large number of away supporters or supporters who might only come to big fixtures). That reduction has had a significant financial impact.
Brian Shotton: confirmed that the annual playing budget, including travel, now exceeds £140,000 per season. For a club without a benefactor or major sponsor, this represents a substantial commitment. During the recent spell of postponements and reduced income, directors have personally stepped in to support shortfalls in projected income. This was not a budgetary issue but a pure cash flow matter.
Playing Style and On-Field Approach
Fan Question: The Friday night game vs Newton Aycliffe a few months ago was one of my worst in memory for performance, and generally the football has been poor, is there going to be a change in the way we are playing? Is it going to be more entertaining?
Marc Ellison: Obviously, nobody has been happy where we are as a team and it has been too inconsistent. During the recent break in fixtures, the squad has trained with input from Ian Skinner, and has begun working on adjustments in approach. The players are eager to return to competitive matches. Ian has other work commitments and cannot assist on a full-time basis.
Postponements and FA Support
Fan Question: Do the FA provide contingency support when games are cancelled?
Gavin Perry: There are funding streams available, but not for general day-to-day running costs. Clubs are expected to account for those within their budgets. Applications are ongoing, though funding is competitive and not guaranteed.
Brian Shotton: While a budget exists, extended stoppages are difficult to plan for. The Blyth Spartans fixture in December provided a strong financial boost, but momentum has been lost with only one home game since. Any business would struggle if income ceased while costs continued.
Nicola Sanders-Cooper: added that the board is speaking with sponsors and reviewing other income options. The 50/50 draw being conducted today has been helpful, alongside pitch squares and wall tiles available online.
There was also discussion around reintroducing hospitality packages and hosting live music events. Supporters with ideas or proposals were encouraged to put their proposals to the board as nothing can be instantly dismissed at this stage.
League Position and Ambition
Fan Question: Would the Club be better off competing back in the Northern League?
There were differing opinions, though the overall view was that the Club and players want to compete at this level. While costs would be lower in the Northern League, there is no desire to undo the work that went into securing promotion two years ago.
Squad Development
Fan Question: Can we recruit a left-footed player to provide greater width?
Marc Ellison / Karl Ross: Such players are not easy to find. However, the intended style of play does not depend solely on that profile of player.
Ground Signage
Fan Question: Can a board be installed at the entrance to ground entrance to promote fixtures?
Nicola Sanders-Cooper: This has been discussed. Planning permission would be required for external signage. An existing sign did receive permission when first installed, and the Club is reviewing whether it can be adapted.
The meeting concluded with thanks to everyone who attended and contributed. Further dates for fans’ forums will be communicated when confirmed.