By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Wilson Kneeshaw became the fourth player in a week to commit his immediate future to Ashington Football Club.

The striker – who won the Management Player of the Year plus the Goal of the season trophy at the awards ceremony recently – netted 16 times last term, finishing only one behind leading marksman Connor Thomson.

However it was a remarkable turnaround for the player who only recently celebrated his 30^th birthday. Kneeshaw had fallen out of love with football before Colliers coach Richie Hill persuaded him to sign for Ashington – and the rest is history: “Richie brought me to the club and I had that rapport with him – then I got to know Andy Coyles,” said the Darlington-born forward, “As soon as I knew Andy and Richie were taking over the job from Ian Skinner, I told them if they wanted me, I’d be willing to sign. They wanted me – so I was delighted.”

Kneeshaw was quick to point out that the supporters at the Woodhorn Lane based club also played a ‘big part’ in his decision: “Last season we had our ups and downs – but it’s completely different when you are enjoying your football,” he added, “It was all the people around the club at Ashington that really injected a little bit of fire and competitive spirit back into my football so I was more than happy to dedicate another season – if not longer – to the football club. The fans have made me feel welcome from day one and they have played such a big part in me wanting to stay. I’m really excited for next season and hopefully I can give the team a good push.”

Kneeshaw also spoke highly about previous manager Ian Skinner who stepped down at the end of the last campaign: “What Ian has done in the last five years has been amazing – and he has really driven the team on,” he said.

Ashington FC joint head coach Andy Coyles said: “Wilson was one of those players we knew wanted to stay but the supporters have got to take some credit with this one because they have made him feel a massive part of the football club. He’s a huge part of the changing room – and he’s going to be a huge part of what we are looking to achieve this year.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC unveiled their first ‘new’ addition of the summer on Saturday with Andrew Cartwright making a return to Woodhorn Lane.

The defender was a regular for the club – as well as establishing himself as a fans favourite – in the season before last which saw the Colliers clinch promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division.

However Cartwright – who runs his own football coaching business – was unable to commit to the extra travelling involved in the Northern Premier League. He joined Ebac Northern League first division side Whitley Bay but also signed on a dual registration with Ashington.

On Saturday, the club announced that Cartwright had committed to next season and the player said: “I’m happy to be back. I played a couple of games for Ashington last season and enjoyed them so I thought ‘let’s give the travelling a go’ and take things from there. I’ll have to be a bit more flexible with work but I think that’s what you’ve got to do to play at a better level. It will be a brand new experience for me because I’ve never played at step four before – when I was with Blyth Spartans in the Conference North League the level was higher again.”

Newcastle-born Cartwright continued: “I met Andy (Coyles), Richie (Hill) and Gaz (Ormston) for a chat. I know the lads at the club and there are also good people involved which is great. I’ve also got a lot to look forward to in what is going to be a big year. I’m getting married to my fiancée Ruth and it’s also my 30^th birthday so everything should be onwards and upwards.”

Ashington FC head coach Andy Coyles is delighted to have Cartwright on board and said: “I believe Andrew is one of the best right backs in the North East on the non-league circuit. It was a massive blow for us when he decided to leave us due to his football coaching business but he’s now able to be successful on a business front and also play football at this level. He wants to play football at a good level and he feels this is the right time to commit to step four.”

He continued: “Andrew obviously enjoyed his time with us the season before last with the promotion success and we had him on a dual registration last year. Even though he only played for us on a couple of occasions, he was phenomenal and he was our number one choice for full back. Consequently we were thrilled to bits when he agreed to come back to us and we genuinely believe that he will be a huge part of what we are looking to achieve next season. He’s a great lad to have around the place – not just on the pitch but in the changing room as well – and I’m sure he will prove his worth for sure.”

Last season, Ashington FC competed in the Northern Premier League for the first time in more than half a century. We’d like to thank you all of those that contributed to our Build The Budget campaign last season, your kindness was instrumental in ensure that the club was able to see out the season at this level. This also saw our season extended culminating in an excellent Senior Cup run despite the bitter semi-final loss to Newcastle United FC u21s in the our last game at Woodhorn Lane.

Travel remains increased substantially which led to additional costs in getting to games and for personnel now spending more of their weekend on football.

Unlike many non-league clubs Ashington has no benefactor with deep pockets to cover these costs. Our progress to this point has been built on the support of the people and businesses in the community. Our progress in the future is dependent on this continuing support and we firmly believe we have a bright future if our magnificent supporters continue to back us.

With all of this in mind we are this evening re-launching our Build the Budget campaign with a renewed look to give back more to our supporters in attaching their name to the club we all love. We are asking those supporters who can spare it, to help build the budget and give the team the best chance of building a squad to compete at this level.

How it will work

We are pleased to announce a five-tier membership to the club alongside opportunities to make one-off contributions to enter the Colliers Club Draw.

We’ll be running the scheme between Thursday 30th May and Friday 2nd August, simply pledge a monthly donation that will go directly towards building our squad and be rewarded for your support. All donations above £10 a month will gain access to our Colliers Club Draw, with further benefits added the more generous you are able to be. The benefits and draw prizes are outlined below:

Membership Level	Monthly Contribution	Total	Rewards
Member	£10	£120	Entry to Colliers Club Draw. Name included within season long matchday programme as a Member showing your contribution to the club.
Bronze	£25	£300	As above with the additional benefits: 1No. Home or Away Shirt 1No. Tile on The Woodhorn Wall
Silver	£40	£480	As Bronze with the additional benefits: 4No. x Matchday hospitality in the Charlton Lounge for 4 people. This includes: 4No. matchday ticket entries. Access to the Charlton Lounge and service. 4No. 3-course meal and 4No. welcome drinks. 4No. matchday programmes
Gold	£60	£720	As Bronze with the additional benefits: 2No. x Season ticket or 1No. x Matchday hospitality in the Charlton Lounge for 10 people. This includes: 10No. matchday ticket entries. Access to the Charlton Lounge and service 10No. 3-course meal and 10No. welcome drinks. 10No. matchday programmes 1No. pitch square sponsor
Platinum	£100	£1200	As Gold, with additional benefits to suit the individual. Please contact us to discuss.

To sign up contact budgetbuilder@ashingtonafc.com with your name and the amount you’d like to pledge and we will be in touch with a link where you can set up your direct debit.

Alternatively you can make a one off purchase here for a Tile on The Woodhorn Wall which will automatically enter you into the Collier Club Draw. The draw will be made ahead of the first league game of the season.

One off donations can also be made by clicking here.

Collier Club Draw Prizes
1No. Adult Season Ticket
1No. Squad Signed Home Shirt
2No. Away Game Tickets and Travel
1No. £50 pound club shop voucher
5No – 2 x Home game tickets
5No – Ashington FC Scarves

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC head coaches Andy Coyles and Richie Hill were delighted last week after three midfielders – Karl Ross, Craig Spooner and Ben Sampson – committed their immediate futures to the club for the upcoming season.

Coyles said: “We are chuffed to bits to secure the three lads who have been a part of Ashington for a number of years. Karl Ross has been at the club for five years and has been through it all and its good having someone like that on board. He is able to share those past experiences with the other players so that they understand and appreciate where the club once were to where it is now. Karl has been unbelievable in the short period of time I have been at the club. He’s a proper grafter and a real hard honest working lad and when he took over the captaincy last season, he led by example – everything you want in an Ashington footballer.”

On Spooner, Coyles said: “It’s a similar message. Craig is an absolute gentleman who is hard working and who has got the club’s best interest at heart. He needs some recognition this year because when we didn’t have a right back for a large part of the last campaign, we had to sacrifice Craig in his preferred role as a number ten. He dropped in at right back and it wasn’t a coincidence that when we turned a corner and started to pick up a number of results last season, it was when he went in at right wing back because Craig was able to add that little bit of quality and a bit of finesse.”

On Sampson, Coyles said: “Ben is Mr Reliable who is an absolute gentleman. He works just as hard off the pitch as he does on it. He’s always willing to learn and always wants to better himself and we’re delighted that he has agreed to stay on for another year.”

The trio – who are all aged 25 – gave their reaction.

Ross said: “I’m starting my sixth year with the club and as far as I was concerned it was a no brainer for me to stay – I wouldn’t really think about going anywhere else to be honest. I’ve loved every minute of my time here and I was happy to continue with Andy (Coyles) and Richie (Hill) taking over as joint head coaches. They have been unbelievable – both for me personally as well as for the group – and we’re all buzzing that they took the job on.”

Spooner said: “The club and the fans are great and so for me – like Karl Ross – it was a no brainer especially with Andy and Richie getting the job. I think I can work well under them whilst I’ve also known Gaz Ormston – who is a player at the club as well as being part of the management team – for years. Gaz is an outstanding figure to have both on and off the pitch because of his knowledge and experience.”

Sampson said: “I’m delighted to be with the club again this year especially with the fans, the backroom staff and the players. It’s a great atmosphere in the changing rooms and we’re a good side on the pitch as well. In terms of league position, we probably didn’t finish where we should have done last season but I think we can kick on and do really well. Where Ashington were when I first signed for them five years ago and where the club are now is unbelievable. We’re on a great upward trajectory and it’s great to be a part of it.”

Coyles concluded: “Ross, Spooner and Sampson are three local boys who all live and breathe Ashington Football Club – and you cannot ask for any more than that.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s newly installed boss Andy Coyles, beavering away as he looks to shape his squad for the forthcoming season, has spoken on behalf of the management team about the ‘key’ signings he has already secured – off the field.

Coyles and Richie Hill were installed as head coaches a few weeks ago taking over the reins from Ian Skinner and the duo moved swiftly to secure the services of Gaz Ormston – who joined the Woodhorn Lane club midway through last season as a player – as a third member of their staff.

Now Coyles has been quick to talk openly about the vital contributions made by a plethora of personnel.

He said: “I’d like to make people aware that there are more than just the players and management that contribute towards what is a team effort at the club. Richie, Gaz and myself really appreciate and acknowledge the work done behind the scenes by the Board of Directors; football secretary Gav Perry; physio Mark Ramsden; logistics manager Alan Brown and photographer Ian Brodie. In the short time we have been in charge, they have all played a huge part and have been really supportive – and knowing that they are still going to be in place with us next season is excellent news.”

Ashington AFC are delighted to announce that for the  2024/25 season Gary Ormston has not only decided he wants to remain at the club in a playing capacity, but he has also accepted an offer from Andy Coyles and Richie Hill to become part of the management team.

Gary originally joined the club in November 2023 from Newcastle Blue Star and made 23 appearances in what was remaining of the season.

Speaking about bringing Gary into the management team Andy Coyles commented “As soon as myself and Richie were told that we would be taking over the reins at Ashington, we thought it would be a no brainer to get Gaz Ormston signed up, not just on a playing front but as part of the management team too. He has a wealth of experience in non-league football and an unbelievable amount of knowledge in the Northeast footballing landscape. He has achieved pretty much everything there is to win on the non league circuit and with that, comes a huge amount of respect, not just from supporters but from his team mates and potential targets for next season”.

He continued “Gaz is hugely and widely respected amongst his peers. He will first and foremost be a player, but off the pitch and in the dressing room he is going to be a fantastic addition to the management team.”

A shocked Ormston said “I have to admit that I was surprised when Andy and Ritchie asked me to help them as part of their management team. I’ll be honest, when Ian made the announcement that he was stepping away from the management role it left me uncertain of my future at Ashington, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, as a change of management can sometimes lead to a different vision for a team. So, when the two new managers approached me I was shocked and felt really honoured they had asked me, with having only been part of the fantastic Ashington set up for a few months.”

He went on “I was asked first and foremost to continue in a playing capacity, to which I was delighted by and immediately accepted. The management side I wasn’t sure of, as I’d already done a bit of that previously under the tutelage of a good friend of mine, Brian Smith. I know just how time consuming it is and anybody who has been involved in football management roles will back me on that one.”

On making his decision to accept the role Gary concluded by saying “After discussing the offer with my family, we decided it would be too good an opportunity to turn down. To help, play alongside, and support to manage a wonderful crop of young men is something that really excites me for the year ahead. Andy, Richie and myself already have a great camaraderie, with work already started on next season behind the scenes, while continuing the spirit and passion of the current team that Ian has passed over to very competent hands. It really is an exciting time ahead.”

Andy and Richie with the support from Gaz will now look to continue to build their squad for the season ahead.

We will also shortly look to release our provisional pre-season schedule.

By Brian Bennett

Andy Coyles and Richie Hill will not be enjoying a customary bit of time off – despite the fact that Ashington FC’s 2023/24 campaign has come to an end.

The duo were installed as the new management team at Woodhorn Lane last Friday replacing Ian Skinner who recently announced that he was stepping down from the role at the end of the season after a superb five year stint.

Skinner signed off last week after the Colliers had gone out of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup at the semi final stage narrowly losing 2-1 against Newcastle United U21s with the club unveiling the partnership of Coyles and Hill – who will operate as joint head coaches – the following day.

“When Ian Skinner told us he was stepping down, we said straight away that we were very interested in the job,” said Coyles, “Richie and myself have forged a really positive working relationship with the current crop of players and the feel –good factor in and around the changing room was something that we certainly warmed to. When the announcement was made, we were blown away by the level of support for us from the players who all reached out and said ‘we really want you to take the job on and we want to work for you.’ That was certainly a contributing factor in us wanting to stay – coupled to the fact that we appreciate the club’s history and loyal support base – and if we can get the recruitment right, we can continue to move this team forward and be successful in the seasons which lie ahead.”

He continued: “Our work has already begun. When we were given the green light about taking over the role, we spent hours upon hours discussing about the current squad of players and also potential targets who we feel could be an asset and who could strengthen us and bring that experience to the group. We’ve identified areas where we feel we need to strengthen and having reflected and evaluated on the campaign just ended, we are confident that we can be a force to be reckoned with next season.”

Coyles turned the clock back 12 months to the close season after Ashington had clinched promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League following an unforgettable day in Derbyshire when they outplayed Glossop North End in the Inter-Step play off final and won 3-0: “Obviously it was a fantastic achievement to go up,” added Coyles, “but in the weeks which followed, we lost a lot of players mainly due to the extra travelling involved. We then went through a transition of about eight or nine games where we had six or seven key players out through injury but despite all of that we came out the other side quite healthy and secured league status quite comfortably. Also factor in that we spent three quarters of the season without a left back after Jordan Summerly and Charlie Exley sustained long term injuries whilst we’ve had Craig Spooner – a natural number ten – playing at right back for the majority of the season! However, win, lose or draw within that changing room is a tight knit group and it’s important that we stick together moving forwards next season when the aim will be to improve – otherwise if we don’t do that then we will have underachieved.”

Coyles and Hill – who are based in Richmond and Darlington respectively – will also continue to clock up the miles on the A1 motorway: “Every time we drive to Ashington it is an 122 miles round trip,” said Coyles, “That shows the level of commitment which Richie and myself are prepared to give for Ashington FC but we’re looking forward to both the challenge and to exciting times.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ian Reid, chair of the Ashington Supporters Club, reflecting on the last five years has said that Ian Skinner has gone out on a high.

In his own words in an open letter to the club’s social media, Skinner waved ‘goodbye from the touchline’ as manager following Thursday’s 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United U21s in the semi final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup but added that ‘it’s not necessarily farewell.’ The club announced that Skinner will ‘maintain a role as a Director’ at the Woodhorn Lane based outfit.

Mr Reid, chair for over ten years said: “I can understand why he (Ian Skinner) has decided to step down from the manager’s role because he has got a lot on his plate. However, I think he has gone out on a high and we all applaud him for that. He won us a couple of pieces of silverware with the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup as well as the Cleator Cup plus the memorable run we had in the FA Cup last year and of course getting the club promoted into the Northern Premier League at the end of the season. That away game when we won the Inter Step play off final against Glossop 3-0 was the highlight – but to be honest for me, it is also the stand out moment over the last 50-60 years. Even supporters who have been going to matches for a long time have said that was a massive highlight because it was another step up the rung.”

He continued: “The only other occasion which would run it close was winning the Northumberland Senior Cup in 2013 when we defeated Whitley Bay at St James Park. On that night it was one of the best footballing performances which I had seen by an Ashington side for a long time.”

He added: “Off the field, Brian Shotton also deserves the maximum amount of credit. When he took over as chairman five years ago, it was at a difficult time but with his drive and enthusiasm, he got other people on board to help him and the club have gone in one direction. The players who were brought in wanted to play for the club and we stayed up that season – and we just seem to have pushed on from there. It’s been like going up a hill – but on a motor cycle and not walking and we’ve advanced very quickly.”

On Friday morning, the club announced that Andy Coyles and Richie Hill – assistant manager and coach respectively in the management team alongside Skinner – had been appointed to take over in the joint role as head coaches.

Mr Reid said: “All the lads I’ve been speaking to are all quite happy because Andy (Coyles) and Richie (Hill) are two good lads plus its continuity within the club. Personally speaking I think it’s an ideal appointment and the thing that stood out for me is that the pair must have the club at heart. They wanted the job; they are both Uefa ‘A’ licence coaches and are prepared to travel from Richmond every week – and you cannot ask more than that.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Skipper Karl Ross spoke of the heartache within the dressing room after Ashington had lost their semi final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup against Newcastle United U21s at Woodhorn Lane on Thursday night.

The Colliers went down 2-1 and Ross said afterwards: “Walking into the dressing room at the end of the game, all of the lads had their heads down and were gutted because Newcastle have come here and we’ve played them off the park. Not many teams will do that to them – but for their two goals, they had that little bit of quality.”

Ross added: “Even trailing 1-0 at half time we spoke about it could be our last 45 minutes of the season. Therefore we had nothing to lose but to go out and give it our all. Jay Turner-Cooke scored with a free-kick into the top bin and there’s nothing you can do about them. After that it was just about going for it in the final 25 minutes; throwing everything at them and seeing what they’d got.”

He continued: “Things didn’t go for us like the drop of the ball, or the ball not bouncing for us but it was just good to see the lads go for it and I was proud of them all. We are a really close group – the closest group I’ve ever been with – so leading them out was a proud moment for me.”

Ross paid tribute to the supporters in a record breaking attendance of 1447 at Woodhorn Lane: “Every week the fans come out in their hundreds and to smash the previous best was just fantastic,” he said, “They really are our 12^th man because you can hear them every minute. The fans are what make the club and we as players thrive off it – so on behalf all the lads, I’d just like to thank them for all of their support because it means a lot to us.”