Top of the list of new arrivals is vastly experienced Robbie Dale (pictured) from Vanarama National League North side Blyth Spartans.

The 37-year-old is a real legend at Blyth, having made his debut back in March 2005.

He originally joined Spartans from West Allotment Celtic in 2005 and had a brief spell away in 2011/12 with Whitley Bay but amassed almost 700 appearances for Blyth and netted over 200 goals with a string of league and club honours to his name.

He hung up his boots in October 2020 but re-joined Spartans ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Ashington chairman Brian Shotton told https://www.ashingtonafc.com: “Obviously I cannot be anything other than delighted that we have signed a player of Robbie’s calibre. I’ve got friends over in Barrow, who have come up against him over the years so when you even get messages from them about the signing it’s great. The news has also attracted a lot of reaction and comment on social media from Ashington and Blyth Spartans fans – a few who have said they will be coming to watch Ashington next season.

“I think the news is something which will make most sit up and take notice and Robbie will definitely add experience to what is still a young squad – and sometimes I think we forget that. We have the likes of Ben Harmison and Paul Robinson playing for us but apart from that there is not a lot of long-term experience in the camp, and we still have a lot of young lads who haven’t played many years in the league. To add someone of Robbie’s experience and class can only benefit the group.”

Two of Dale’s former Blyth team-mates have also checked into Woodhorn Lane.

Forward Lee Mason joins from Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One East side Dunston.

The 31-year-old made the move across the River Tyne to South Shields from neighbours North Shields in February 2018.

The former Whitby Town, Whitley Bay and Blyth player is known for his strong technical ability and has demonstrated during his time at Mariners Park that he certainly knows where the net is.

Defender Andrew Cartwright has joined from last season’s Northern League champions, North Shields.

Prior to this the defender spent two years in Perth, Australia playing for Western Knights Soccer Club.

Andrew is son of former Newcastle United and North Shields player Peter Cartwright and is a trio of Cartwrights to have played for North Shields with brother Phil also turning out in the red shirt.

The right-back is no stranger to life in the North East as before he travelled to Australia he made 85 appearances for Blyth after joining from Sunderland in August 2015.

Cartwright made 32 appearances for The Black Cats in Premier League 2.

He also appeared for the England C team during his time at Blyth.

Re-joining the Colliers is left back Darren Lough.

The 32-year-old moved to NPL Division One East side Hebburn Town from South Shields in June 2019.

He captained Newcastle United's reserve side prior to departing in 2010 and spent two years at Ashington before several seasons in the Icelandic first tier with KA Akureyri and IA Akranes.

He returned to England in January 2017, joining The Mariners and playing 92 times as they lifted five trophies, including the FA Vase.