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.”

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.”