Ashington football boss to play chauffeur for elderly fans

Posted by Simon Honeysett on Oct 21, 08 10:25 AM in News

THE boss of a Ashington football club is boosting crowd numbers by offering to drive elderly fans to matches.

Ian Lavery says he will drive round picking up loyal supporters.

Back centre, chairman Ian lavery and supporter Aidan Lang

The chairman made the offer after hearing that some of the club's older fans have been put off going to matches since the club moved to its new ground.

The Northern League club played at Portland Park in the town centre for 100 years until the move to a new base a mile away at Woodhorn Lane, but has been disappointed by the number of fans through the turnstiles.

"I have heard people saying that they can't manage the walk to the ground, said Mr Lavery.

"I have a big car and I am quite happy to go around Ashington at 2pm before a three clock kick-off to give a lift to people who can't get to the game any other way."

Aidan Lang, 80, has been an Ashington supporter since 1943 and in his younger days used to play for a football team drawn from Ashington tradesmen.

"I think offering the lifts is a good idea and maybe the players could benefit from a few pointers from us," he said.

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