Ashington part company with manager Marc Ellison

Ashington FC have parted company with manager Marc Ellison by mutual agreement.

The news came out of Woodhorn Lane on Monday tea time via the club’s social media channels, and Ashington have since gone down the route of officially advertising the post.

However, during the interim, the hierarchy at the club have put a plan in place - and it will see a return to the Wansbeck outfit of former player Paul Dunn, who will take interim charge alongside Liam Bridcutt - a former Premier League footballer with Sunderland.

Ellison took over the reins alongside captain Karl Ross on an interim basis last season after Nick Gray departed by mutual agreement, and Ashington were delighted to appoint him as team boss following their final game of last term. Under Ellison’s direction the Colliers retained their status in the East Division of the NPL.

This season the club have struggled for results, and again find themselves battling to avoid the drop. They reached a new low on Saturday, however, when they played basement outfit Hallam and turned in a woeful performance. A win would have seen Ashington climb out of the relegation zone but they went down 2-1, with Hallam claiming their first win of the campaign.

The statement released addressing Ellison’s departure included comments from Ian Skinner, Ashington’s Head of Football. He said: “Firstly, I am personally disappointed that things haven’t worked out as we had envisaged with Marc. He is someone I have got to know personally and have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with, particularly towards the back end of last season when we worked together to secure the club’s league status.

“Beyond football, Marc is someone I consider a friend, and that won’t change. I have a great deal of respect for him and will certainly remain in touch. Sometimes, despite the best intentions and efforts of everyone involved, circumstances dictate that difficult decisions have to be made in the best interests of the football club.

“Looking ahead, I am delighted that Paul and Liam have agreed to step in and support the club during this period.

“I have known Paul for many years. We grew up together, have a strong connection to the local football community, and continue to coach together. Paul knows this football club, understands what Ashington means to the town, and has a genuine connection with the people within it. I think he is an excellent person to bring the squad, club, and wider community together at what is undoubtedly a difficult time.

“I first met Liam during my time at Gateshead, and have always been impressed by the person he is. He is a fantastic individual, incredibly humble and hardworking, and someone who brings a wealth of footballing knowledge and experience. I have no doubt he will be a real asset to Paul and the players, both on and off the pitch.

“Paul and Liam will also look to utilise the experience and leadership already within the dressing room, particularly our senior leadership group, to help drive standards, maintain togetherness, and ensure the players take collective responsibility as we move forward.

“We haven’t ruled out making further additions to the interim management team should we feel they would strengthen the support available to the players and benefit the wider football operation. Our priority is to ensure we have the right people around the group, providing the necessary leadership, guidance and support during this period.

“Both Paul and Liam have agreed to come in and help the club, and I am grateful for their willingness to do so. The immediate priority is to bring some stability, reconnect everyone, build confidence within the group and ensure we move forward together.

“We recognise that this is a challenging period, but it is also an opportunity to regroup, refocus and move forward positively. Ashington AFC is bigger than any individual, and it is important that we all pull in the same direction.”

The club will now begin the process of recruiting a permanent first-team manager, and have put an advert out for the position already. The application deadline is Friday, November 6th. Applications should be sent to [email protected]

Dunn and Bridcutt’s first game in charge will be on Saturday, November 7th when Ashington are at home against high flying Consett in a 3pm kick-off.