Blackburn Rovers sign Ashton’s teenage prospect

Ashton Athletic player Alex Marrow has been snapped up by Blackburn Rovers having impressed during an extended trial period with Rovers since the New year.

Having previously made a number of first-team appearances for Ashton Athletic in Vodkat League Division Two, and starred throughout the last two seasons in the Club’s youth team Marrow will now look to follow in the footsteps of Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire, who was plucked from now defunct North West Counties League outfit Great Harwood Town several years ago after slipping through the local scouting network as a schoolboy.

The 17-year-old midfielder - a part-time plasterer from Astley, Greater Manchester - has already played for Blackburn's Under 18s, and he earned a 20-minute run-out in the reserve team victory over Manchester United last Thursday. Blackburn have moved quickly to offer Marrow a contract until the end of the season

Teenager Marrow was handed his big chance at Rovers by manager Mark Hughes after commendations from Blackburn’s scouting network and following a recommendation by Rovers reserve team boss Glyn Hodges. With Rovers fighting against the Premier League's top clubs for the best local talent, Blackburn have admitted that they are being diligent to explore every opportunity to uncover a potential hidden gem.

Meanwhile Ashton Athletic General Manager David Powell acknowledges that “from Ashton Athletic’s point of view he will be sorely missed especially by our youth team who have made it to the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup at the end of the season and are still currently pushing for League honours. Alex has also shown his prowess in the North West Counties League and will also be a loss to the Club in the future as we endeavour to climb the league pyramid. “

“However he is a great lad and his teammates and managers, John Bentley and Paul Cunliffe have supported him all the way. Everyone at the Club is delighted for him and keeping fingers crossed that he gets a full contract in the Summer”