By Brian Bennett
Local lad Paul Dunn says unity is key as he looked ahead to his first game in interim charge of Ashington who take on high fliers Consett at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (November 7).
On Monday night, the 43 year-old was installed as caretaker boss following the news that Marc Ellison had left his post as manager by mutual agreement.
Dunn who previously played for the club said: “I got a phone call from Ian Skinner, the Head of Football at the club sounding me out after the news that Marc (Ellison) had left. With my commitments at work as well as other things it’s going to be tough and challenging but for the next few weeks, it fits and I thought it would work. I was keen to have somebody to potentially come in with me and I’m delighted that Liam Bridcutt – who worked with Ian (Skinner) at Gateshead has agreed to come onboard. He’s a former Premier League player who is vastly experienced so his expertise will be invaluable to the group.”
Ashington-born Dunn who lives in the town added: “The idea is for us to come in and navigate our way through these next few games, instil a bit of confidence and a bit of togetherness in the group. Obviously we want to pick up some results along the way and with the run of games which the club have got coming up at home, it’s a good opportunity to do that. There is a great group (of players) here and what we need is for everybody to be together and really get behind the lads. I’ve played the game before and when confidence is low, it just takes one little thing to flick the switch so it’s got to be a big collective effort from everyone”
He continued: “ I haven’t played football for a while – I think it’s seven or eight seasons – and when you have been out of the game for a while, it’s hard but I’ve got to be honest and say that I’m looking forward to Saturday more than I thought I would be! Once I met the players and got that first initial contact out of the way, things have gone smoothly. The lads have been second to none. They have trained well and I know it’s a bit of a cliche but they are buzzing.”