Ashington interim boss Paul Dunn highlights importance of

Paul Dunn has been speaking after taking over as interim manager of Ashington.

Local lad Paul Dunn says unity is key as he looks ahead to his first game in interim charge of Ashington, who take on Consett at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday afternoon.

On Monday night, the 43 year-old was installed as caretaker boss following the news that Marc Ellison had left his post as manager by mutual agreement.

Dunn, who previously played for the Colliers, said: “I got a phone call from Ian Skinner, the Head of Football at the club, sounding me out after the news that Marc had left.

“With my commitments at work, as well as other things, it’s going to be tough and challenging, but for the next few weeks, it fits and I thought it would work. I was keen to have somebody to potentially come in with me, and I’m delighted that Liam Bridcutt - who worked with Ian at Gateshead has agreed to come onboard. He’s a former Premier League player who is vastly experienced so his expertise will be invaluable to the group.”

Ashington-born Dunn, who still lives in the town, added: “The idea is for us to come in and navigate our way through these next few games, instil a bit of confidence and a bit of togetherness in the group. Obviously we want to pick up some results along the way, and with the run of games which the club have got coming up at home, it’s a good opportunity to do that.

“There is a great group here and what we need is for everybody to be together and really get behind the lads. I’ve played the game before and when confidence is low, it just takes one little thing to flick the switch, so it’s got to be a big collective effort from everyone”

He continued: “I haven't played football for a while - I think it’s seven or eight seasons - and when you have been out of the game for a while, it’s hard, but I’ve got to be honest and say that I’m looking forward to Saturday more than I thought I would be! Once I met the players and got that first initial contact out of the way, things have gone smoothly. The lads have been second to none. They have trained well, and I know it’s a bit of a cliche but they are buzzing.”