STEVE HAS A CUNNING PLAN FOR HIS ROBINS

UPBEAT boss Steve Cunningham reckons he’s adding the firepower needed to give Ashton United a genuine shot at NPL Premier glory this season.

- John Lyons

The 44-year-old led Buxton to the title a couple of years ago, but aims to take a leaf out of the book of current champions Radcliffe in the coming campaign.

“They scored 103 goals last season and that’s why they won the league,” he told The NLP. “Their approach seemed to be ‘if we concede goals, we’ll outscore you’.

“We need more goals in our team – certain profiles, different types of forwards and creative, attacking players.”

To that end, Cunningham has briskly gone about his business, with three of his opening half-dozen signings being front men. Former FC Halifax and Chesterfield target man Tom Denton has arrived from Guiseley and the 6ft 7ins powerhouse, who turns 35 later this month, will give the Robins’ attack a new dimension.

Ex-Oldham and South Shields striker Darius Osei, 29, has made the switch from Stalybridge Celtic and 18-year-old Jack Massey has joined from Accrington Stanley. Cunningham is confident the trio of new recruits will complement free-scoring Jason Gilchrist at the sharp end.

“We wanted proven goalscorers and we have got that with Tom and Darius,” he explained. “We didn’t have someone like Tom last year and he will give us a presence in both boxes.

“He can pass the ball with his head in Non-League better than many can with their feet, but people don’t give him enough credit for his football ability. There’s a reason why he’s had the career he’s had and everyone wants a player like him.