Both
players need no introduction to the supporters at Woodhorn Lane.
Ross
was on a dual registration with Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier
Division side South Shields and the Colliers last term whilst Johnston makes a
return to the Wansbeck outfit after spells with league rivals Whitley Bay and
North Shields.
Twenty-year-old
Ross told http://www.ashingtonafc.com:
“I’m happy. Obviously I was with the club last season and enjoyed it. I got
loads of minutes and hopefully I can kick on next season.”
Twenty-one-year-old
Johnston said: “Ashington are my hometown club and I am buzzing to be back.
When Ian Skinner said he was interested in bringing me to the club, it was a no
brainer. I live in Ashington so it’s on the doorstep and I have got family who
will want to come along and watch me play.”
Skinner
said: “We met both players who were keen to get involved with us again and
basically the two lads fit perfectly into what we are trying to do at the club.
Both have had good footballing education after coming through systems where
they are receptive to coaching. They are at a great age where they have great
attitudes; want to listen; work hard and improve as players and that’s what we
are after – we are not looking just to recruit on talent, we believe character
and attitude are equally as important. Karl was great for us last year. I’m
delighted he wanted to come back and we thought we’d show some loyalty to him
and tie him up on a contract - as well as Callum Johnston who is a player I
have known for quite a while. By offering both of them contracts also sends out
a statement of intent and there are reasons - including the seven-day notice of
approach rule which absolutely infuriates me - why I’m a firm believer of one-year
deals. To have players committing from now until the end of the season gives us
some good foundations to build on”.
Brian
Bennett |
