ASHTON UNITED may have to wait at least another week to find out who the new manager will be at Hurst Cross.
The club has already said it is in no hurry to make the appointment, and no decision will be made until chairman Terry Hollis returns from holiday later in the week. He is then expected to go through the applications with his deputy, Steve Hobson.
No names have been revealed but it’s believed at least a couple of highly respected NPL figures have staked a claim. Caretaker duo Will Haining and Jody Banim are also expected to apply.
Robins secretary Andy Finnigan said: “Things are looking quite healthy. It’s only a week since Paul Phillips and Steve Halford quit and we’ve already had quite a few interested parties. So far we’ve been contacted by six or seven highly quality people.
“Terry and Steve will take as long as they need to, to come to a decision. In the meantime we’re happy to let Will and Jody have a bit of a crack.”
One definite new face is coach Damian Crossley who joins Ashton from Manchester City’s academy.
Andy Finnigan says the Robins players are raring to go for tomorrow (Saturday’s) Evo-stik NPL premier division game at Stafford Rangers and keen to show they are unaffected by recent events.
Keeper Terry Smith, signed on loan from Nantwich, is ready to take over in goal. But new midfielder Bobby Lofthouse is unavailable until midweek, and international clearance has still to come through for Jamie Tolley who has been playing for Newtown in the Welsh Premier League.
More comings and goings are expected over the next few days. However, Lee Gaskell and Richard Smith have both rejected advances from fellow premier division clubs and restated their loyalty to Ashton United.
Due to restricted access to the Hurst Cross ground because of the recent fire, tomorrow’s coach to Stafford will leave from Kings Road, across from the burned-out Costcutter shop.
In National League North, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’S new managerial of Paul Phillips and Steve Halford have been busy in the build-up to tomorrow’s trip to Halifax Town.
Adam Farrell has gone on an initial month’s loan to Droylsden, Jon Shaw has been loaned to Warrington to get some games under his belt after time out due to illness, and Devante Jacobs has joined Chadderton.
The co-bosses have brought in young striker Matty Gillam on loan from Rochdale. He goes straight into tomorrow’s squad while terms have been agreed with two players who will be joining Celtic in time for Tuesday’s visit by Harrogate Town.
Midfielder Callum Bagshaw (ankle) is the only injury absentee as the Bridge look to build on Tuesday’s dramatic win over Gainsborough.
New signings James Baillie and Luke Clark are both in the CURZON ASHTON squad for the home game with Tamworth. Baillie, a defender, joins the Nash from Crewe having been on loan at Nantwich. Midfielder Clark is on loan from Salford City.
Connor Hampson is back in full training and available, and Connor Hughes is on the path to fitness. He has also restarted full training and could play for the reserves on Monday.
Defender Danny Hall, who joined Curzon from Guiseley in the close-season, has moved to Altrincham where the new manager is former Stalybridge boss Jim Harvey.
Russ Courtney and Ben Hampson return for DROYLSDEN who welcome Bamber Bridge to the Butchers Arms in the Evo-stik NPL first division north. Adam Farrell comes in on loan from Stalybridge but Lloyd Ellams and Luke Daly remain sidelined as long-term injuries.
Assistant manager Aeon Lattie added: “We’ll be releasing two or three players in the next few days. Names will follow.”
Tom Dean is back for MOSSLEY’S home game with Brighouse after completing his suspension. David Short and Kyle Harrison return after suffering knocks.
HYDE UNITED, who have a 100 per cent home record, take on Lancaster City at Ewen Fields. Andy Pearson has recovered from the groin strain that ruled him out of last week’s FA Cup win over Colne. James Burke sits out the second game of a three-match ban.
GLOSSOP NORTH END visit Ramsbottom and, as is usually the case, have a fully fit squad.