LUKE'S GOT THE ASKEY GENES

THINK John Askey worked a miracle getting Tru- ro City promoted to the National League? That's nothing compared to the efforts of his nephew.

- Chris Dunlavy

Luke Askey played in midfield, attack and defence for Midland League Premier side Stone Old Alleynians last season.

He’s also the club’s manager and treasurer, has a seat on the board and even collects the subs from each of the Staffordshire side’s 70 veterans, disability and kids teams!

“And I've got a sevenmonth-old baby now,” laughs the 34-year-old, right, who also works as a full-time accountant.

“It’s a big commitment, but it’s just sort of snowballed over the years. I played my first game for Stone when I was 18 or 19 and I don’t even know what level that was. Maybe Step 8? Bar a brief spell away at Newcastle Town I’ve been there the whole time, and then four seasons ago I took over as manager.

Talk tactics

“In those four years we've grown from a club with one team — and it wasn't a very good team — to a club with 1,200 members and 70 teams. I think it’s actually the biggest in the Midlands now.