By Brian Bennett

Darren Lough says he is delighted to return to his hometown club Ashington – bridging a gap of ten years since he last played for the Colliers.

Two years ago, the Morpeth-based defender – a drainage engineer – was in the Hebburn Town team when they visited Woodhorn Lane for a midweek Ebac Northern League first division clash and was impressed by what he saw: “First and foremost, I’m over the moon to have signed for Ashington again,” he said, “The last time I played at the ground was for Hebburn a couple of years ago and I remember walking through the main door of the new stand and seeing parts of the club’s history on the walls and thinking ‘this is really professional.’ As a player, playing at a decent ground with a good pitch gives you a feel-good factor and makes you want to play.”

Lough – a former captain for Newcastle United Reserves – first played at Woodhorn Lane between 2010-2012 before going to Iceland where he served two clubs – KA Akureyri and IA Akranes. He then had very successful spells with South Shields and latterly Hebburn where he won the FA Vase as well as promotion with both clubs.

However. the 32 year old – who has a young family – revealed that it was the extra traveling involved which was behind his reason to leave Hebburn: “A couple of clubs in the League above came in for me,” he added, “but again the distances of the journeys would have been an issue because it would have taken up too much time. When I heard of Ashington’s interest, I knew that’s where I wanted to play. They won the Division One cup last season and I was impressed with how they performed, finishing eighth in the table.”

Lough was completely upfront – and similarly upbeat – about what targets the Woodhorn Lane based outfit should be setting themselves next season: “Obviously the club have got the potential to go places,” he said, “They have signed experienced players to go alongside the younger lads to help push the club onto the next level. There is a good variety of experience in different positions and hopefully the newcomers will all gel with the existing squad. Our target should be to win the league because nobody remembers who finishes second in the division – whilst it would be great to have runs in the various cup competitions as well as the FA Vase.”

Manager Ian Skinner said: “Darren is somebody who I have known for a long time. I coached him when he was a young player was he was attached to Newcastle and I was involved there and I have followed his career. He’s obviously been at Ashington before and people might not remember what a good player he was because he probably gets most well remembered when he fractured his skull in a match at Woodhorn Lane – and it’s fantastic that he got over such a horrific injury. He went to Iceland to play then came back from abroad and had a very good career after going to South Shields and Hebburn.”

He continued: “Lots of people I have spoke to who enjoyed watching Ashington last year said we might have been a little bit young and naïve – and Darren will bring great leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. He is slightly versatile – he can play in a number of positions which is great in the modern game and I see him being a big player for the football club anywhere across that defensive back line which is where he is most comfortable.” He went on: “I’m delighted that I’ve finally landed Darren – a player who I have chased on numerous occasions. I came very, very close to signing him just before last season began but he felt Hebburn was his best option having won the league with them and obviously there was a win for him in the FA Vase final which was carried over from Covid. However, given that he’s got a young family, Darren maybes felt now was the time to drop back into the Northern League. All of a sudden we have got vast experience added to our squad because the players I have brought in have made multiple appearances further up the footballing pyramid and that can only help what is already a very good, young and developing squad here at Ashington.”

By Brian Bennett

Damen Mullen said Ashington seemed to be ‘the perfect choice’ – after he put pen to paper on a contract with the Woodhorn Lane outfit following his release from Hebburn Town.

Mullen will need no introduction to supporters at The dwmedia Stadium. The versatile 33 year old enjoyed a highly successful one month loan period with the club last term – and proved to be a big hit with the fans.

In less than a fortnight manager Ian Skinner has brought in a plethora of new players and Mullen – on his return to play for his home town club – said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time when I was on loan at Ashington in October last year. I’d been injured for the first part of the season at Hebburn and I started to build up my fitness with Ashington -and in that short spell they were doing really well. However, at Hebburn we didn’t have a great season – I had my injuries – and the club and myself decided to go our separate ways.”

Mullen, who is based in Holystone, continued: “I got in touch with Ian Skinner and said I’d be interested in coming to Ashington and things just snowballed from there. I had an initial chat a couple of weeks ago and then the boss mentioned about the ambitions of the club and the personnel he was looking to bring in. It’s all happened too with the announcement of the players he has brought in so far.”

Mullen added: “I was born in Ashington but I’m a Stakeford lad really! I played at Woodhorn Lane years over ten years ago ago under the management team of Gary Middleton and Neil Winskill – before this fabulous new stand was built. I know the club have gone through some tough times but it has progressed over recent years and is heading in the right direction again. I had a couple of offers from other clubs but I chose Ashington because it just seemed like the perfect place to come back.”

Manager Skinner said: “When Damen was on loan with us last season, we won six and lost one of the seven games he played for us and our supporters also took to him. He brought a real calming influence to the team; he helped us look after the ball a little bit and helped us maintain possession whilst out of possession his positional sense is really good. We wanted to keep him last season once his loan period had expired but Hebburn were the parent club and they asked for him back. It was great when we had him with us and even better now that we have secured his services for the coming campaign. Damen is a fantastic character both on and off the pitch and is vastly experienced having made hundreds of appearances further up the pyramid as well as being a former captain at Blyth Spartans.” He continued: “Damen plays in that key position just in front of the back four where we try and build attacks and he is ideal for us to get on the ball. He’s willing to take the ball under pressure in any situation – similar to Robbie Dale – and that’s what you need in the modern game because at this level and in this league, the opposition like to try and put you under pressure quickly. I’ve got to be honest and say my eyes lit up when I saw Damen was a free agent. He is somebody whom I’ve worked with before as I coached him as a youngster when he was involved in the professional game. I knew we (Ashington) stood a very good chance of getting Damen as soon as he became available so we spoke to him and thrashed out a deal. He was desperate to come; we were desperate to have him and I’m delighted to get him on board.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton could not hide his joy after the Woodhorn Lane club had secured the services of Blyth Spartans legend Robbie Dale.

 
Astonishingly, Dale made over 700 appearances in 18 years for the National League North outfit and Colliers chairman Brian Shotton said: “Obviously I cannot be anything other than delighted that we have signed a player of Robbie’s calibre. I’ve got friends over in Barrow, who have come up against him over the years so when you even get messages from them about the signing it’s great. The news has also attracted a lot of reaction and comment on social media from Ashington and Blyth Spartans fans – a few who have said they will be coming to watch Ashington next season – and I would like to think Robbie is the first confirmed of a number of players the manager (Ian Skinner) is working hard to bring in. It would be nice to think we’ll get a few more over the line so we can add to an already talented squad in what we hope will be a successful 2022-23 season“

 
He continued: “I think the news is something which will make most sit up and take notice and Robbie will definitely add experience to what is still a young squad – and sometimes I think we forget that. We have the likes of Ben Harmison and Paul Robinson playing for us but apart from that there is not a lot of long term experience in the camp and we still have a lot of young lads who haven’t played many years in the league. To add someone of Robbie’s experience and class can only benefit the group.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC skipper Ben Harmison has hailed the signing of Robbie Dale.

The Blyth Spartans legend put pen to paper and Harmison said: “It’s a massive coup for the club. Robbie is someone who has experience and it shows the ambition and direction in which the club are trying to go. I was personally aware that we were trying to sign him (Dale) since we knew he was leaving Blyth – although he wanted to continue playing. Our manager Ian Skinner has been trying his best to get him – and has succeeded – and hopefully a signing like this will lead to a few more players coming in that he (Ian Skinner) is speaking to. Also someone of Robbie’s experience coming into our dressing room is only going to help our young and ambitious squad.”

He continued: “I played at Blyth with Robbie so I know what he is like – and he’ll be coming to Ashington to win things and not just to play. In the negotiations, they obviously sold Robbie the ambitions of the club and he’ll want to be part of it – and want to help push us for promotion. The signing is big – and other lads the boss is trying to sign higher up the pyramid and who are available, once they have seen that Robbie has put pen to paper hopefully the news will persuade them to want to be a part of a club who are really ambitious.”

He added: “To do what Robbie has done in his career, he‘s bringing loads to Ashington – and not just that confidence to see him in the dressing room and give the rest of the squad a boost. The lads who were with us last year will have had loads of attraction from other clubs and the only way you are going to keep them at Ashington, is signing players like Robbie.” He went on: “All the young players who are staying will be really looking forward to starting pre season training – and hopefully we’ll get a few more experienced players on board who have played higher up, now that Robbie has signed for us.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner – having watched the ink dry on the signature of Robbie Dale – was clearly delighted after announcing his first addition during the close season.

Skinner said: “I’m delighted to bring a player of Robbie’s calibre to the club. His experience will be invaluable to our youthful squad – but he still has a lot to offer as a player and can cover a number of positions for us which will be useful. When Blyth and Robbie announced he was leaving – but that he still wanted to play – we registered an interest at the end of the season. He (Robbie) wanted to leave things a week before speaking to anybody.” Skinner continued: “We spoke to him about the club (Ashington) which he knew a lot about and that how he would be a vital member of our squad. Basically once the conversation was over, he pretty much agreed that he saw his future at Ashington and we got the paperwork completed as soon as possible. No doubt there were numerous offers for him but Robbie also knows some of our current players. It shows the club is always wanting to progress – and I see Robbie’s signing as being one where the club at Ashington continues to move forward given the attributes and quality he brings as both a player and a person.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington Football Club’s Brian Shotton compèred the awards presentation evening at the Woodhorn Lane based outfit on Saturday night which brought the curtain down on

another campaign.

The chairman then enjoyed a few minutes relaxation where he reflected on the progress which the club has made under his four year tenure and revealed it is the toughest challenge he has ever done: “I’m delighted with the way things are going and the club is definitely moving in the right direction,” he said, “but its been tough and is the toughest challenge I’ve ever done. I initially said the club didn’t want to stand still – it wanted to move forward and we initially stabilised things and are now certainly moving forward.

The increase in support is unbelievable and very important to us because our average attendance at matches has gone up to around the 425 mark but we cannot stand still. I would love to see an increase on that next year and additional sponsors come on board as it’s the only way we can push on. We are a club which operates from its income – unlike some others who have benefactors. So in order to make progress, support from the stands and local business community is vital.”

He continued: “When we came on board at the club including Ian Skinner who is now manager – we were averaging crowds of around 200. The club was moving along slowly and in the doldrums as such. And it’s a sign of the progress made that we’ve just won our first trophy in nine years with the Ebac Northern League’s Division One Cup and the lads have played some really good entertaining football.” He went on: “You’ve got to build things organically because the last thing any football club wants – and especially this football club – is to be unable to fulfil its financial commitments. We can undoubtedly push on – but we need to be realistic, steady and sensible.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington FC’s Jordan Summerly could not hide his joy after being chosen as the management Player of the Season at the presentation awards ceremony on Saturday.

And – fingers crossed – the North Shields-born defender is looking to maintain a clean bill of health on the injury front and hoping that he can now put a nightmare two years firmly behind him after being sidelined with a knee injury.

He said: “Because of problems with my knee, I hadn’t played in ages and didn’t sign for anyone until the start of last season – and even then I reckon Ashington manager Ian Skinner probably took a punt on me and didn’t think he’d get many games out of me. But thankfully I played loads and cannot believe it. I’m so happy because I thought I would play a few weeks and my knee would go again then I’d have to have an operation and face another year out and look to the next season – but touch wood, I haven’t had any problems.”

Whitley Bay-based Summerly – who announced he is staying with the Colliers – continued: “The award is the icing on the cake and to say I’m delighted is a huge understatement. I didn’t think I was in contention to be honest until I spoke to the manager (Ian Skinner) on the phone the other day and we were looking ahead to next season – and he was saying ‘you were excellent last term considering we weren’t expecting you to play as much.’ I’d had two years of knee injuries so I didn’t expect to play as often either. I honestly thought after a couple of months my knee would ‘go’ and I would have to have an operation. However thankfully me knee was all right all through last season and I played most of the games.”

The 25 year old added: “I was at North Shields for a long time and I loved that club. I never thought I would like a club as much but everybody at Ashington are so welcoming and the set up is unreal. I get on with all of the lads and I’ve never been in a dressing room where the team spirit is so good.”

He went on: “I’m very happy about staying here next season. Maybes we need to add a couple of players for strength and depth but there’s no reason why we can’t go on and win the league as well as having a good run in the FA Vase.” Manager Ian Skinner said: “We brought Jordan in at the start of the season. We knew what he was capable of producing on a regular basis but we also knew he had missed the last two years with a serious knee injury. To be honest, we weren’t sure how much football we would get out of him – and he wasn’t either – but Jordan played in 98 per cent of the games last season. He was a pretty consistent performer and I can’t think of too many disappointing games he had – or games where he has been disappointed with his own performance – so all credit to him.”

By Brian Bennett

Ashington Football Club’s Ben Sampson was delighted on Saturday night after being named as the supporters Player of the Year.

The versatile Sampson – who played for his hometown club at full back or centre midfield – said afterwards: “It came as a bit of a surprise really but I’m very pleased. I think it’s a good award to win because it’s nice to know that you are appreciated by the fans and I thank them for voting for me. It’s a pleasure to play for the team and we have got a really good group of lads here so much so that I thought there were a lot of players who could have won it. It was a genuinely competitive field – shown by different players winning the various awards.

The 23 year old, who is based in Morpeth, continued: “I was happy throughout the season. I thought I played consistently and well and when Liam Doyle came into the side at full back, it allowed me to play centre midfield which I enjoy more.”

He went on: “I’m staying with the club next year and I think we can massively push on. We maybes need a few additions here and there but as long as we keep all the lads we’ve already got, there’s no reason why we can’t kick on and win the league next year.”

Manager Ian Skinner said: “Ben has been Mr Consistent throughout the season in both positions he has been asked to play whether it be at right back or centre midfield. He’s been a regular performer in the team and has been accomplished in both positions.”

Ian Reid who has been chairman of the Ashington supporters club for around 14 years said: “Ben was worthy of the award. He is a very consistent and popular player who just gets on with his job and I can’t remember him having a poor game last term.”

Mr Reid revealed that the fan base has doubled over the past year and makes no secret of the fact that the supporters dubbed Ian Skinner’s side ‘The entertainers’ during last season’s exploits. The club finished eighth in the first division and won silverware for the first time in nine years after winning the Ebac Northern League Division One Cup with a 4-1 victory over Newcastle Benfield and Mr Reid added: “I started supporting the club in 1963 and last season was the most entertaining I’ve seen after we scored 112 goals in all competitions. When we won promotion from the second division of the Northern League in 1999 under Cec Irwin’s management, we netted 90 plus goals – but last season was just fabulous to watch.”

Ashington AFC can confirm Matchday Entry prices for the 2022/23 season.

As always we will be offering advanced ticket sales at a cheaper price which can be bought online at our ticketing website.

Matchday Entry Prices (at the turnstile)

£8.00 Adults

£4.00 Concessions (aged 65 and over, Under 16 or Students)

Advanced Entry Prices (on sale until midday Saturday games and 5pm Midweek games)

£7.00 Adults

£3.00 Concessions (aged 65 and over, Under 16 or Students)

Chairman Brian Shotton said “We have reluctantly increased our admission prices which are now in line with a lot of other Northern League clubs – for at least a decade we kept our prices the same which were much lower than the average across the division. Whilst it is always tough to ask paying spectators to pay more, we are like any other business where our operating costs have increased significantly in the last twelve months. We still believe we offer great value for money having seen 103 goals in all competitions at Woodhorn Lane (thankfully the majority of them in our favour) and offer some of the best spectator facilities in the league – which again come at a significant cost to maintain”

“We are offering fantastically valued season tickets with early bird pricing for both Adults, Concessions and Under 16’s saving money on turnstile and advanced prices. We want to really push this club forward and off the back of our cup win this is the perfect time to do it, with your continued support we will achieve this much quicker.”

By Brian Bennett

Dean Briggs picked up two trophies on Saturday night – as top goal scorer as well as goal of the season – at Ashington Football Club’s presentation evening.

And afterwards, the midfielder admitted that his stunning effort from close to the half way line in the 4-4 draw at Consett ranks as being one of his best ever!

“I was pretty confident that the goal at Consett was going to be goal of the season,” he said, “It’s got to be up there as being one of my best strikes and probably the best goal I’ve ever scored. It has to be. And I meant it as well. It was just instinct and touch – and to be honest, it was the touch which probably made the goal. I then had a quick look up, saw the ‘keeper off his line and went for it.”

Wideopen-born Briggs left during the campaign to explore a career move which unfortunately didn’t work out – and which he says effectively cost him being the Ebac Northern League’s top goal scorer: “I was really pleased with the form I was in before I went away,” he commented, “When I returned, I didn’t score for eight or nine games and ended up with 19 league goals. If I hadn’t left, I think I would have been right up there at the top of the charts.”

The 26 year old reckons Ashington could be knocking on the promotion door next season: “I think most of the lads are staying which is great because we have got a good side,” he said, “But I think we just need to bring in a couple of players with a bit of experience and if we do, then I think we’ll be right up there next term.” Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner said: “Dean emerging as our top goal scorer reflects his early season form where he was unplayable at times as when he netted all four goals in our 4-2 away win at Newton Aycliffe. He went away on a career move but when he came back it took him a little while to re-adjust – but then he finished the season in red hot form. He scored the goal of the season at Consett and also notched a couple of important goals for us as well. The awards he got were really merited and deserved and I’m pleased for him.”