Cunningham hungry for success

After narrowly missing out on the Northern Premier League play-offs last season, Ashton United boss Steve Cunningham is more determined than ever to make sure history does not repeat itself this campaign. 

The Robins came agonisingly close to securing a play-off berth but a loss to Marine on the final day meant they would ultimately miss out. 

“To come so close and miss out on the last day was a bit gut-wrenching,” Cunningham told the Reporter.  

“But I think this is something that will spur us on, we want to go one better this season.” 

Since taking over in January 2023 after what was a tough period for the club, Cunningham has helped to steady the ship, and he believes the club are in a great position to achieve their ambitions: 

“Last year was a great building block for us, we gave ourselves a two-year plan when I came in and we’re definitely on track to achieve our aims- we're certainly in a better position than when I came in.” 

In terms of pre-season results it has been a mixed bag for the Robins, with three wins, one draw, and one loss, but the former Buxton boss says the performances are what really matter: 

“Last year we went unbeaten in pre-season and won something like four in a row, only to get spanked 5-0 by Workington in the first game of the season and lose three out of our first six, so for me results don’t really mean anything. 

“Pre-season is about building relationships and learning what the team can and can’t do, and I’ve been very happy with our performances.” 

Throughout his time at the club, Cunningham has spoken of his desire to play exciting front-foot football, but by his own admission, this was not always possible last season: 

“We only ever work on one style of play in training so to go away from that at times last season was strange, but this was down to the state of the pitch. 

“We want to provide a style of football that’s entertaining for the fans, we don’t just want to kick it long that’s not what we’re about. 

“There will be loads of opportunities to play our style next season due to the amount of 3G pitches that are in our league, but also, the Chairmen have invested heavily into our home pitch over the summer. 

“As well as that, our groundsman, Luke Sayle, has done an amazing job. He has even slept at the club numerous times over the summer to make sure the pitch is in perfect condition, so hopefully it will last us for the season.” 

As much as the Robins boss has a set style of play, he also spoke of the importance of having versatility in his squad: 

“Something I’ve learnt from managing in this league is that there are different ways of winning a game, for example we’ve signed Tom Denton who’s 6 foot 7- this gives us a different option if we’re struggling. 

“It’s about having as many tools as possible at your disposal.” 

With this in mind, Cunningham has made plenty of additions to his squad over the summer, signing players in all areas of the pitch. 

“The idea of our recruitment process was about adding goals to the squad, the 44-year-old told the Reporter. 

“Every club wants a 25 goal a year striker and for me, they’re a myth- we want goals to come from all areas. 

“For example, some managers might want out and out defenders as their full backs, whereas I want mine to chip in with around six to ten goals every season- which is why we’ve brought in Josh (Doherty), who showed he can do that for Hyde last season. 

“As well as the defence, we felt goals were lacking in midfield, which is why we’ve brought in Louis White who scored 12 goals for Marine last season- it's just about sharing the goals throughout the squad." 

Another man who arrived at Hurst Cross earlier this summer is forward Darius Osei, who spent last season with local rivals Stalybridge Celtic. 

Despite a relatively underwhelming season last time out, the Ashton boss is confident he can help the 29-year-old get back into form: 

“Darius needed a place where he can enjoy his football again, it’s not worked out for him over the past few seasons, but he’s got a manager now who will put his arm around him and make him feel 10 feet tall. 

“If we can get the Darius who played at South Shields back then along with Jason Gilchrist who was fantastic last season, we’ll have a really potent attack.”  

As well as the players that have come in, Cunningham believes the players Ashton have managed to keep hold of will be vital to any success the club will have next season: 

“We’re very glad to have kept some of our senior players ahead of the new season, Sean Newton being one- for me, there’s no better left sided centre half in the league. 

“As well as that we’ve managed to keep hold of Luke Burke, who was my player of the season last year. 

“He’s a manager’s dream, he’ll run through brick walls for you and that’s why I’ve made him captain. 

“We’re so lucky to have him, he’s one of the best players in the division and his versatility is key. 

“I’m delighted to have kept hold of Nathan (Lowe) as well, he didn’t have his best season last year but there were a couple of reasons for that. 

“This pre-season, he’s come back and he looks like a completely different player, he’s been the best player on the pitch for the majority of our recent games. 

“I’m surprised we haven’t had any calls from clubs higher up wanting to take him, that’s how good he’s been.” 

As well as aiming for a strong league campaign, the former Curzon Ashton manager has his sights set on an FA Cup run with the Robins: 

“Every manager wants that first round FA Cup tie, it’s like the bible of non-league management.  

“I was lucky enough to experience this in my very first game at Buxton- to be on TV and beat York City in front of 4,000 fans was just mind blowing. 

“Ashton haven’t reached the first round for around 50 years and if I can be the man to help them do it again, that would be a massive achievement- it’s something we’re really aiming for.” 

Cunningham has already endured cup success with the Robins in the past, picking up the Manchester Premier Cup last season, which he is determined to retain: 

“I can’t say it was at the top of my list of things I wanted to win when I joined the club but it’s something that means so much to both the club and the fans. 

“We’re the most successful club in the history of the competition and we want to help continue that.” 

Amongst the positivity, there has been blow for Ashton United ahead of the new season, with assistant manager Nigel Keogh announcing his departure from the club earlier this week. 

“I’m gutted,” Cunningham told the Reporter. 

“I’m more disappointed with the timing, and I’ve made that no secret, but that comes from a good place- I've lost a very good coach and a friend as well. 

“But I’ve always said I’ll never stand in a player's way and that extends to my staff as well, he’s got a great opportunity to go and coach higher and I wish him all the best- the door will always be open.” 

Ashton United begin their Northern Premier League campaign tomorrow (August 10), when they welcome Blyth Spartans to Hurst Cross.