By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC joint head coach Andy Coyles said the 4-2 defeat away to West Auckland on Saturday was disappointing.

“What we have said to the lads – and they are in full agreement – is that we want to instil a winning mentality and that includes pre season matches,” he commented, “Consequently if results and performances aren’t up to a set standard then I expect everybody to be disappointed. Take nothing away from West Auckland – I thought they were a very well drilled and very good outfit – and I would go as far as to say that having seen them – and they have recruited one or two good additions – they will go all the way and win the first division of the Ebac Northern League next season.”

He continued: “For us it was difficult. We have still got high numbers in the group and it is difficult where you are trying to field 22/23 players bearing in mind we have got five or six away as well – but I’m not making any excuses. The positives were that the lads got minutes under their belts.”

Ashington’s next three friendlies are away against Blyth Town on Tuesday (July 9), Seaham Red Star on Saturday (July 13) and Whitley Bay (July 16).

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC have announced the signing of midfielder Matty Slocombe.

Slocombe has put pen to paper with the Colliers after leaving Consett where he was a stalwart having first signed for the Steelmen at the age of 17.

Sunderland-born Slocombe – a digital learning consultant – said: “I’m excited and really looking forward to getting involved. I was impressed with the whole set up at Ashington when I came to Woodhorn Lane with Consett last year – and I know the majority of the lads at the club. I’ve played with a few of them before and over the years you come across them when you play against them.”

The 30 year old added: “It looks as if they’ve got a strong group at Ashington and are going to be a really competitive side. Even last season I thought they were a really good passing side which is the way I like to play football so hopefully it will be a good season and we’ll up there challenging for the play offs.”

Slocombe was also a member of the Consett side when they lost 3-2 to Hebburn Town in what was the 2019/20 FA Vase final at Wembley. Due to the covid pandemic, the game was delayed a year until May 2021 and Slocombe recalls: “Unfortunately there were only a handful of people who could watch it. Fans were unable to be there so it didn’t have the same kind of atmosphere – but it was nevertheless incredible. Just to see the stadium; get into the changing rooms; walk out onto the pitch and play – was really good.”

Ashington joint head coach Andy Coyles said: “Matty is a player who we rate extremely highly. We think he is one of the best central midfielders in the North East on the non league circuit and he’s got everything which we want to improve our team. He’s tenacious and we’re thrilled to bits to get his signature. Hopefully he’s going to have a new lease of life and hopefully he’s going to add that extra quality to our team.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington got their pre season programme underway with a 5-2 win over AFC Newbiggin on Tuesday night.

The game was staged at the Newbiggin Sports and Community Hub and afterwards, joint head coach Andy Coyles said: “It was a good work out for the boys. Obviously we had in the region of 22-23 lads available to us tonight and it’s very important that they all get minutes in the tank. We know some lads are going to be missing due to holidays so they need to pick up ample game time to get them up to full speed for the beginning of the new campaign. As a first pre season game, it was a great place to start (at Newbiggin). We had some really good performances especially from the new lads and we are happy with our progress.”

He continued: “This is week three out of eight and we have seven other friendlies to go – and as we progress we will be upping the intensity levels. Lads will be picking up more game time and obviously we need to make sure that we are sharper and more clinical. We scored a few goals tonight and could have had more but we need to improve at the other end of the pitch because we were very disappointed with the two goals which we conceded.”

In front of a crowd of 171, Ashington moved into a 2-0 lead with Connor Thomson on target on both occasions before the hosts got back on terms after goals in quick succession from James Cooper and Michael Johnson.

Early doors after the break, Ben Sampson and Craig Spooner put Ashington into a 4-2 lead before goal number five came in the 73^rd minute from a trialist.

Meanwhile Coyles, who along with Richie Hill, took over the reins from Ian Skinner, reflected on their first few months in the post. The pair – who are based in Richmond and Darlington respectively – have added Gary Ormston, Jamie Tunstall and Lee Barrass onto the management team and Coyles said: “We’re enjoying it. We love being at Ashington and love the family feel and the family environment – and the supporters have been amazing. We’ve been receiving lovely messages on a weekly basis from some of the fans on social media and we really appreciate their comments. For Richie, Jamie and myself, it’s a 120 miles round trip every time we come to Wansbeck but we do it for Ashington FC; the supporters and the local community.”

Ashington’s next warm up game takes them to face West Auckland on Saturday (July 6) where kick-off is 1.30pm.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Paul Robinson has vowed that he still has ‘plenty of offer’ – after being one of a plethora of signings made during the close season by Ashington manager Andy Coyles.

Newcastle-born ‘Robbo’ – as he is known – is the proud holder of three FA Vase winners’ medals during his career with Whitley Bay and scored one of the goals in the Seahorses 6-1 win over Wroxham at Wembley in 2010.

However, the midfield maestro needs no introduction to supporters at Woodhorn Lane after playing for the Colliers for two and a half seasons.

‘Robbo’ was an integral part of the squad that clinched promotion to the Northern Premier League the season before last and was instrumental along with Jordan Summerly in setting up the opening goal scored by Ben Harmison in the 3-0 win in the Inter step play off final against Glossop North End in Derbyshire.

However with the extra demands on travelling in the NPL, ‘Robbo’ chose to leave Woodhorn Lane – but has come back following talks with Coyles: “I do have other commitments but the manager (Andy Coyles) and myself have come to an arrangement and I’m delighted to return,” said Robinson who is based in Seaton Delaval, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club – it was amazing. I loved all of the boys and the management team; the people behind the scenes are excellent and the club is really well run. It was Gary Ormston – who is part of the management team as well as a player – who initially sent me a text asking me if I wanted to come back then Andy (Coyles) followed it up and it fits well with where I am at the moment with my other commitments. To be honest, I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I thought I’d do pre season and see how I fared – and things have gone really well so far.”

He continued: “I thought I did quite well in training this week but I’ve got good players – as well as good young players – around me. I keep myself fit and still go running and cycling – and if anything I feel as fit now as I did years ago. I’ve just turned 40 but I’ve still got plenty to offer without a shadow of doubt. When the day comes when I think I’ve got nothing to contribute then that’s when I will step aside.”

The club have announced in the past few days that full back Jordan Summerly has committed to the club for new season and Robinson – a football coach at South Shields FC – added: “Knowing that Jordan was going to re-sign helped with my decision as well – he’s a top lad and we have got a good understanding down the left hand side.”

Manager Coyles said: “As a management team we are delighted to get a player back like ‘Robbo.’ Not only does he possess qualities on the pitch but he also has an array of qualities off the field and in the changing room his experience and knowledge of the game will prove to be valuable to the lads. He’s done it all on the non league circuit and those experiences playing for the clubs which he has done, is only going to prove a positive outcome and more so for the younger lads that we have got in and around the group. What we have in ‘Robbo’ is what we haven’t had much of in the past – a game changer. He can change the game in the drop of a coin.”

He continued: “’Robbo’ has come back pre season and he’s been terrific. He looks in fantastic shape fitness wise but you can just see the quality that oozes out of him with every session. He’s a credit to himself and he’s a credit to the football club. We’re thrilled to bits to have him back – he’s a great lad; a great character and a great footballer. He’s another good addition to the squad and I’d like to think people looking at the lads we are bringing in can see a pattern evolving – and that is we have got game changers all over the park now and we’ve got good lads who are going to work alongside each other and be there for one another.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Jordan Summerly has confirmed his commitment to Ashington FC – only manager Andy Coyles has described it as being like a brand new signing!

The North Shields-born defender was forced to leave the field after 35 minutes of the home clash against Carlton Town in mid November after sustaining a knee injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

However the 27 year old is back in training – even though he admits that he is taking things one step at a time: “I had surgery on my knee a few years ago before I joined Ashington,” he said, “I had a big tear in my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and a tear in my meniscus, the latter which they repaired and when I thought I had heard a ‘pop’ in the game against Carlton, I wondered if I had finished off my ACL or torn something else. It wasn’t fun being on the sidelines as I’d much rather have been on the pitch playing than watching. By the time the season ended, I had been out for five and a half months but if felt longer. However, last week we started pre season training and I’m easing myself back in. The signs are positive and I’m hoping to get some game time in the warm up matches.”

Summerly has been boosted by comments he has received: “When I attended our Northumberland Senior Cup game at home against Newcastle U21s at the beginning of May, numerous fans said to me ‘I hope you’re back next season’ – and that was something which filled me with confidence knowing that they wanted me to return. Also we’ve got a great dressing room at Ashington and I have definitely felt the same warmth and sincere messages coming from the whole of the management team and my team mates – so again that motivated me.”

Manager Andy Coyles said: “It was a huge blow when Jordan got his injury because he had started the season exceptionally well. We brought Charlie Exley in but we had a bit of bad luck when both Jordan and Charlie were ruled out in and around the same time. Jordan will be the first to admit that he’s got a point to prove but first and foremost he needs to get back up to full speed and full fitness. However we’re excited; he’s excited and so far in pre season he’s been excellent. It looks promising at the moment but I suppose we’ll find out more when we dip our feet into the pre season games. If we can get Jordan back up to speed and can get him playing like he was at the start of last season, it will feel like a brand new signing and we’ll all be chuffed to bits.”

Are you a skilled and passionate first aider looking for an exciting opportunity in the world of football? Look no further! Our prestigious football club is seeking a dedicated First Aider to join our team and help keep our players in top condition.

As the club first aider, you will be responsible for providing injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services to our players. You will work closely with our coaching staff to ensure that our athletes are in peak physical condition and ready to perform at their best on the field.

The ideal candidate will have experience within a sports setting, preferably football and excellent communication skills. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a winning team and make a real impact on the performance of our players.

Apply now to join our team as the club first aider and help lead our players to victory!

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide injury assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services where possible.
• Undertake a player injury/return to play assessment session one evening per week either at the club or own clinic.
• Provide first aider cover at both home and away fixtures throughout the season.
• Work together with the rest of the management team to provide holistic support for all players development.

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

• Valid Level 3 Emergency Medical First Aid in Football (EMFAiF) or one of the recognised equivalents.

Desirable

• BSc in Physiotherapy

Salary

• Sessional rate to be discussed depending on qualifications.

To apply for this role, please send a covering letter by email to recruitment@ashingtonafc.com explaining how you meet the criteria for the role.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC joint head coaches Andy Coyles and Richie Hill have made another summer swoop after signing Jamie Tunstall to bolster their management team.

Darlington-born Tunstall – who has a wealth of experience after managing several clubs in the Ebac Northern League – said he is excited and feels ‘very privileged’ to link up with the Woodhorn Lane based outfit.

Hill said: “Jamie and I go back quite a long time. I’ve worked with him previously at Crook Town and he’s been a former manager of Shildon, Crook, Thornaby and more recently Northallerton Town. He’s unbelievable with his intelligence of North East football and beyond and there’s not a player who he doesn’t know – so he will be very good in that regard with recruitment. He’s also a qualified coach and we see things in the same way.”

Hill continued: “Jamie was very excited at coming on board at such a big club with so much potential and in the short space of time he’s been with us he’s already been really, really helpful. He’s given us information on players that we had as targets and I think he’ll be an excellent addition to the management team. He’s very professional and he’ll certainly buy into our DNA and the way in which we want things to be done. He’ll be very much involved in pre season training; at the heart of pre match warm ups; watching the games back on veo and reporting back to us on the things we did well and also the things which we didn’t do well.”

Tunstall joins the set up at Ashington after leaving behind ‘a great club’ in Northallerton where he will forever have fond memories: “Northallerton are a great club – a club where I spent most of my career as a player so I’ve got a really good connection with them,” he said. The 38 year old added: “However, I feel very privileged to come to a club of this size and to be involved with Andy (Coyles) and Richie (Hill). I know what ambitions Ashington have got especially under the management team which are in place and I know that they want to try and push the club forward as much as they can – and that’s exciting for me.”

By Brian Bennett

Goalkeeper Dan Staples has returned to Ashington – five years after making his debut for the Woodhorn Lane based outfit.

The 33 year old played for the Colliers during the 2019/20 season when he was commuting for Carlisle and it was the gruelling travel which was his reason for leaving and joining Penrith ironically when Andy Coyles – Ashington’s new joint head coach – was manager of the Bonny Blues.

Newcastle-born Staples has been with Northern Premier League East Division outfit Dunston UTS for the past two terms. However, as he explained, his season last year was curtailed just as UTS were mounting a promotion bid: “Injury took its toll as I dislocated my shoulder in March against Carlton so I missed out on the run in,” he said, “Dunston had a great season just missing out on promotion through the play offs and they couldn’t have got any closer to be honest, losing to Stockton Town after a penalty shootout.”

Speaking about coming back to the Ashington, Staples who is based in Cramlington said: “I know the majority of the people who are in the background at the club who don’t get enough credit for what they do. The club is only going one way and I would like to be part of it. In my eyes it’s a new adventure and a new challenge.”

Ashington FC’s joint head coach Andy Coyles said: “Obviously Dan is a big profile name on the non league circuit. He’s had two fantastic years at Dunston and was their number one ‘keeper last season until he picked up an injury. When I was manager of Penrith, I brought him to the club after he relocated to Cumbria and we had a really good working relationship and I’d like to think we can rekindle that this year – but this time round with him wearing an Ashington shirt!”

He continued: “We are delighted to get him on board. Dan has a number of assets that we feel will contribute to the team and to the club. He’s a leader and a communicator both on the pitch but also in the changing room. He demands perfection from everybody including himself but is also critical of himself whenever his performances aren’t up to scratch – and that’s what you need in a player especially if you’re going to kick on. Dan will compete with Ross Coombe – they will be working side by side with new goalkeeping coach Lee Barrass and hopefully the three of them can have a really good working relationship which can blossom over the coming months.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC joint head coaches Andy Coyles and Richie Hill have added to their back room staff with the appointment of Lee Barrass as goalkeeping coach.

Coyles said: “Lee has got a good background within the non league circuit. He has worked at all levels in the game in and around the North East and he’s got a fantastic reputation. It’s certainly an area on a coaching front that we have lacked and it’s another area we are looking to improve and develop.”

He continued: “Lee is going to be working quite closely with goalkeepers Dan Staples and Ross Coombe and it helps that they know each other and have worked together in the past. We are really looking forward to Lee joining the management team and it’s another mild step in developing and progressing the squad.”

Barrass who operated in a similar role with West Auckland last season said: “I already know Dan (Staples) and Ross (Coombe) and the set up here at Ashington is really nice.  I live in Wallsend so it’s fairly local to me and I’m looking forward to meeting the team and for us to be one big unit.”

The 46 year old was previously at Bishop Auckland for a period of five years and also served Blyth Spartans and Darlington as goalkeeping coach in the National League North. He added: “I’ve got nearly 20 years of experience behind me as a ‘keeper and I can’t wait to get started.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC signed their number one priority target last week according to joint head coach Richie Hill when Connor Thomson put pen to paper on a contract at Woodhorn Lane.

Last season the striker spent the best part of six months with the Colliers on loan from neighbours Morpeth Town and not only made an immediate impact scoring a brace on his debut in the 4-0 win at Winterton Rangers but also endeared himself to the club’s supporters.

“When Ashington came in to take me on loan last season, I wanted to take that chance straight away,” he added, “I just wanted to get out and play some games and see what happened but I fell in love with the club and it helped me massively. I played well; I did well for the team and scored goals – which is exactly what you want to do when you are a striker. I also made a few assists and contributed to the team in any way I could.” The 28 year old netted17 goals in his spell – which saw him lift the trophy for the top goalscoring award at the end of season presentations.

Thomson’s contract with the Highwaymen came to an end recently and he said it was a ‘no brainer’ to sign on a permanent basis for the Colliers: “I’m buzzing,” he said, “When the club announced that Andy (Coyles) and Richie (Hill) were staying on as the gaffers it was a big factor for me because of how well I get on with them as well as the lads at the club. As soon as Andy and Richie approached me about a contract it was a no brainer because I wanted to stay and I enjoy playing here. The atmosphere is always good especially at this level; the club have got an excellent fan base and I can’t wait for the new season to start.”

Whilst Newcastle-born Thomson finished top of the pile in the goal scoring charts, his striking partner Wilson Kneeshaw finished one behind – the pair plundering 33 goals between them.

Kneeshaw announced his commitment to the club last week and Thomson added: “The news about Wilson staying played a big part too because it’s rare to gel with someone so well and Wilson and I get on just as well off the pitch as we do on it. We know we have got the connection to kick on again this season and to score even more goals.”

Joint head coach Richie Hill said: “We’re over the moon to get the deal done. When Andy and myself got the job, the first thing we did was to look at the current squad as to who we wanted to keep as well as players who we wanted to bring to the club – and Connor was right up there as our number one priority. When he came to us last year, he fitted into the changing room so well. It was also at a time when we were struggling for results and he rewarded us with some much needed goals. Connor had to be our chief target and to get him over the line – knowing full well that there were lots of other clubs interested in him and actually talking to him – is a massive coup for the club and consequently we’re absolutely delighted. He was a popular figure not just in the changing room but also with the management team and the supporters so I’m hoping he’ll hit the ground running at the beginning of the new campaign and score those goals which we need.”