Ashton Athletic are pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Brodie as part of the management team working alongside current manager Jay Foulds.

Brodie who boasts Crawley, Fleetwood and York on his playing CV joins the club after spending the previous three years as player coach at Skelmersdale United.

We spoke to Richard last night at the Lancashire trophy game v Longridge.

“I’m delighted to be on board at Ashton and that Jay has asked me to come and be part of his management team. It’s the next rung on the ladder for me as I've spent the last 3 years at Skem as player coach and proud of my achievements in reaching the first round of FA Cup and leaving the club 2nd in the table as part of Paul Mcnallys staff. I’m now at Ashton and I’m here to help jay and the lads progress up the table. It was great to be involved in my first game last night and start with a win. I am a winner and looking to pass my experience to the team. It was great to meet the committee at the game and I can’t wait to work with the lads.”

Manager Jay Foulds added “although my best mate and joint manager Dougie Pitts departure was only announced last weekend I have known since the summer he was looking to step down. I didn’t want to rush into a decision as the person had to fit our ethos at the club. Once I had a chat with Brodes I knew he was the right person to bring on board. His enthusiasm, ambition and professionalism is infectious plus he can still play which is an added bonus.”

“I would like to put on record my thanks to Paul Mcnally and Skelmersdale United for the professional way the situation was dealt with.”

"Fans will be able to see Richard in the dug out (or maybe the pitch) this Saturday away v Runcorn Town 3pm ko”