Ashby is put on the spot... GAME ON: NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL.ROGER ASHBY'S ploy of handing out only one-year contracts could reap rich dividends if Stuart Whittaker's exploits at Ashton United are anything to go by. When the former Rushden chief took charge at Manor Park Manor Park may refer to places: in Canada:
Ashby insisted 12-month contracts were the order of the day and with all of his present squad hoping to net new deals for the 2005-2006 term, impressing Ashby is a major requisite. And one man who plainly put himself in line for an extension was the enigmatic Whittaker, who conjured up a superb hat-trick, including a last- gasp penalty, in the 3-2 victory at Ashton last Saturday which kept Boro in contention for the Nationwide North championship. The Scouser scouse n. 1. A lobscouse. 2. a. often Scous·er A native or resident of Liverpool, England. b. often Scouse The dialect of English spoken in Liverpool. , who took his scoring tally to 11 for the campaign, smiled. "I hadn't scored in nine games so I had to do something to try and get a new deal at the end of the season! I'm not sure whether the three goals did the trick but I know the gaffer was pleased as he danced with me on the pitch after the winner! "Seriously, I'm enjoying my football at Nuneaton and whether we win promotion or not I'd like to stay as there's a great spirit and camaraderie ca·ma·ra·der·ie n. Goodwill and lighthearted rapport between or among friends; comradeship. [French, from camarade, comrade, from Old French, roommate; see comrade. among the lads and moving to the new ground will be an exciting period for the club and players." And Whittaker was speaking for most of the current squad, who since the turn of the year have upped the tempo, carving out an impressive run of 36 points from a possible 48, including a five-match winning streak Noun 1. winning streak - a streak of wins streak, run - an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck"; "Nicklaus had a run of birdies" , as they face today's clash at Barrow. Ashby sheepishly admitted: "I don't know what a 57-year-old was doing jigging jig 1 n. 1. a. Any of various lively dances in triple time. b. The music for such a dance. Also called gigue. 2. A joke or trick. Used chiefly in the phrase The jig is up. about on the pitch at Ashton but I can tell you he was certainly delighted! "As far as next season is concerned we are looking at contracts but, obviously, it's a little difficult when not knowing what league we shall be in. "It's all under review and as soon as things become clearer then the contracts will be sorted.No-one will be on more than a one-year deal. I like to keep them hungry and, anything more can provide a bit of a comfort zone." CAPTION(S): HAT-TRICK: Stuart Whittaker who secured victory at Ashton |
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