Following the court ruling that threatens to force the club out of business, everyone connected with Ashton United FC would like to thank the various people of Tameside and the wider non-league community that have offered their support since the verdict was announced.

Ashton United have been heartened by the messages of support that have arrived in person, via the club’s website and various other internet forums – it shows what a truly special bunch the non-league ‘family’ are... and illustrates why so many people get so much pleasure out of being involved at this level of the game.

One ‘rival’ supporter was moved to create an on-line petition in support of Ashton and White, which had over 500 signatures in its first few days and is now closing in on 700 supporters. Anyone wishing to read more can do so at the following link;

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/aufcdanwhite/

Ashton United’s legal advisors have indicated that there are legitimate grounds to launch an appeal and the club have chosen to pursue this option. The club feels that to get this verdict overturned will not only benefit Ashton United but also former player Danny White and, quite possibly, all of non-league football – as other clubs are starting to realise that they could, at some stage in the future, be in the same situation as this club unless this precedent is removed from the records.

The costs of the appeal have not yet been finalised but are likely to be in the region of around £9,000. The club also still has its day-to-day running costs to consider and, with this in mind, are asking for input from any interested parties who have ideas on how to raise money on behalf of the appeal fund. One Ashton supporter is already planning a sponsored 20 mile run around the six non-league grounds in Tameside and others have offered to do the same route by bike, whilst first team manager Danny Johnson has chipped in with a suggestion for a 10k by the management team and players at the club.

Any pledges in support of the appeal can be made to the club and, once the final cost of the appeal is known, the club will set that amount as a ceiling for donations and then close the appeal if lucky enough to raise the full amount.

Anyone wishing to pledge money directly in support of the cause can do so through the good old-fashioned postal service if addressed to;
Jackie Tierney, Financial Director, Ashton United FC
Hurst Cross Stadium, Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8DY.


Your continued support, be it financial or otherwise, is very welcome. Thank you all.

David Aspinall, Chairman, Ashton United FC.