Ex-Sunderland, Leeds United and Brighton midfielder lands surprise management role after club announce exit
Former Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt will help lead Ashington alongside Paul Dunn following Marc Ellison’s departure
Former Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt has been named as part of Ashington’s interim management team following the departure of Marc Ellison.
Bridcutt, who also played for Leeds United and Brighton, will take temporary charge alongside former Ashington player Paul Dunn as the club search for a permanent first-team manager. The pair step in after Ellison left by mutual agreement, with the Colliers battling to retain their place in the Northern Premier League East Division.
Their first match in charge will be at home to Consett this coming Saturday with kick-off at 3pm. Ashington’s head of football Ian Skinner welcomed Bridcutt’s involvement and believes his top-level experience within football will benefit a squad in need of a lift.
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He said: “I first met Liam during my time at Gateshead, and have always been impressed by the person he is. He is a fantastic individual, incredibly humble and hardworking, and someone who brings a wealth of footballing knowledge and experience. I have no doubt he will be a real asset to Paul and the players, both on and off the pitch.
“Paul and Liam will also look to utilise the experience and leadership already within the dressing room, particularly our senior leadership group, to help drive standards, maintain togetherness, and ensure the players take collective responsibility as we move forward.”
The appointment follows a damaging 2-1 defeat against bottom club Hallam on Saturday. Ellison had initially taken interim charge alongside captain Karl Ross following Nick Gray’s exit last season. He helped preserve Ashington’s divisional status before being appointed manager following their final match of the campaign.
Skinner said: “Both Paul and Liam have agreed to come in and help the club, and I am grateful for their willingness to do so. The immediate priority is to bring some stability, reconnect everyone, build confidence within the group and ensure we move forward together. We recognise that this is a challenging period, but it is also an opportunity to regroup, refocus and move forward positively. Ashington AFC is bigger than any individual, and it is important that we all pull in the same direction.”
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