Spartans' legend Dale signs for Ashington

Just days after playing his last game for Blyth Spartans, Robbie Dale is back in football after agreeing a new deal to join Ashington in the Northern League.
Robbie Dale signs on for Ashington.Robbie Dale signs on for Ashington.
Robbie Dale signs on for Ashington.

And Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner – having watched the ink dry on the signature of the contract – was clearly delighted after announcing his first addition during the close season.

Skinner said: “I’m delighted to bring a player of Robbie’s calibre to the club. His experience will be invaluable to our youthful squad - but he still has a lot to offer as a player and can cover a number of positions for us which will be useful.

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"When Blyth and Robbie announced he was leaving - but that he still wanted to play - we registered an interest at the end of the season. He (Robbie) wanted to leave things a week before speaking to anybody.”

Skinner continued: “We spoke to him about the club (Ashington) which he knew a lot about and that how he would be a vital member of our squad. Basically once the conversation was over, he pretty much agreed that he saw his future at Ashington and we got the paperwork completed as soon as possible.

"No doubt there were numerous offers for him but Robbie also knows some of our current players. It shows the club is always wanting to progress – and I see Robbie’s signing as being one where the club at Ashington continues to move forward given the attributes and quality he brings as both a player and a person.”

Skipper Ben Harmison hailed Dale’s arrival saying: ““It’s a massive coup for the club. Robbie is someone who has experience and it shows the ambition and direction in which the club are trying to go.

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"I was personally aware that we were trying to sign him (Dale) since we knew he was leaving Blyth – although he wanted to continue playing.

"Our manager Ian Skinner has been trying his best to get him - and has succeeded – and hopefully a signing like this will lead to a few more players coming in that he (Ian Skinner) is speaking too. Also someone of Robbie’s experience coming into our dressing room is only going to help our young and ambitious squad.”