Management boost for Ashton Athletic

PRESS RELEASE 08.07.06

Ashton Athletic have moved quickly to gear up its team management with the recruitment of 4 new key members as the Club prepares for its return to the North West Counties league in the forthcoming season.

First on board is Steve Pilling, a long time past servant of the Club in his playing days. Steve left local neighbours Ashton Town at the end of last season and will work alongside existing first team managers David Powell and Geoff Aspinall.

Ashton's Chairman Steve Halliwell said "Steve's NWCFL experience over the last 5 years or so will be invaluable as our Club establishes itself at this level of football. Allied to the knowledge of our own Club and his outstanding commitment he is the ideal addition to the 1^st team management structure".

Also joining the Club as is Tony Ennion, the former Reserve manager of both Northwich Vics and Witton Albion in the last few seasons, who will take charge of the second string at Ashton. Chairman Halliwell sees Tony as the perfect man for the Club at this stage of the Club's development. "Tony's extensive knowledge of standards at the higher reaches of non league football will be invaluable in guiding our player development from our older youth teams, through the reserves and on to the first team".

In response the new reserve boss, also a qualified FA Coach is complimentary about the Club and comments "I am extremely impressed by the forward thinking views at the Club and amongst the players, and I am thrilled to be involved at such an ambitious and committed outfit".

Meanwhile on the Coaching front two coaches have joined the team to improve and guide the Coaching programmes at the Club.

Garreth Barker UEFA B licence Coach brings with him extensive experience at Preston North End and most recently at the Wigan Athletic Academy. First team manager, David Powell explains "Garreth brings a high calibre of professionalism and experience to the Club, and will

oversee the coaching and fitness regime of the senior teams at the Club. His expert knowledge alongside his attitude and enthusiasm has been very well received by the players and we are delighted to have secured his services, particularly in view of his heavy work schedule at the moment, as he progresses towards his UEFA 'A' Licence".

Working alongside Garreth is Mike Woodruff, as goalkeeping coach for the adult and youth teams. Having retired from the first team at the Club midway through last season, following a major shoulder injury Woodruff maintains involvement through this newly created position.

All the management and coaching staff are focused on the start of the new season on the 12^th August, and the build up starts this Saturday 15^th July with a trip to Blackpool to play in a triangular tournament against St Mary's from the Isle of Man, and the hosts, Norcross & Warbreck FC from the West Lancs League. The games start at 1.15pm at the Fleetwood Road South complex in Thornton Cleveleys.

Queries to David Powell 07770 696747