A number of players registered with Ashton United during the 2014/15 season have been charged by the FA in relation to breach of betting regulations. At a hearing yesterday (Wednesday 20th July) each of those players were sanctioned in accordance with FA regulations, including the only current member of the squad, Martin Pilkington, who is now suspended from all football and football related activity for a period of 4 years; the final twelve months of the suspension, suspended for a period of two years.

Ashton United has fully supported the FA enquiry throughout the investigation period; and urges any fellow players - at whatever level of the game - to seek appropriate help if gambling is becoming an issue in their life.

Gamcare (http://www.gamcare.org.uk/) run the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and the group Gamblers Anonymous (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/) provide advice and support for problem gamblers.

The club will make no further comment regarding this matter.