Andy Finnigan sent out a message to the fans at the club. Reflecting as Joint-manager of the Ashton United youth team and as volunteer for the senior side. He spoke of the hectic festive period and is looking forward especially to the up-coming Derby match at home to Curzon Ashton on New Years Day.

Hi All,

At 5pm on the 3rd January following the FCUM match we will all find out how hectic this festive period has been. I am confident we will have all the games on and prepared to our best efforts. The weather will play a major part in the preparations from now until that day. In the run up to this week’s match against Belper Town I have not been able to get on the pitch due to the rain and very damp conditions.
Friday will be the day I can spend time on it. Firstly I will scarify the grass to separate the tufts then I will slit the pitch to aerate it and this can also help with getting the surface water away. The rolling and brushing is just cosmetic making the grass stand up and look the part. This process is carried out before every game, however with the amount of home games in close proximity, time management and bodies will be of great importance. Looking forward to the challenge.

Of course it is going to be difficult for the senior players to relax as it is the Christmas period. Players can only be advised on how to rest and then re-focus in short periods of time between games. Personally for individuals it is a testing time as family is of great importance.

I am sure Paul and Stephen know all about these Christmas experiences and can help give advice to the players. For me I see a strong disciplined dressing room and an awful lot of respect for one another in there. That focus will, I am sure will be evident come the referees whistle at the start and end of each game.

From a fans perspective I believe Tameside Derby's are very special. It is a game where bragging rights takes precedence over any other League fixture. This season we have all renewed rivalries with Curzon for the first time in quite a number of season's and it was a great advert for this league during our last encounter.
Having said all that off the pitch there are many friends from both camps who go to watch each other’s games as well as personal friendships formm. Well back in my younger days when Curzon played at the Nash and I lived just up the Kings Road I’d go to some of their games. I’m really looking forward to this one.

The reserve team have in the first six months exceeded all expectations and are developing very well indeed. Brian, John and myself couldn't be happier. The lads have shown great maturity with some of them impressing Paul and Stephen in the senior side.
That's maybe the biggest pat on the back for the three Amigos, having the full support and praise from the people that matter. Reserve players have stepped up for the Gaffers and not disappointed. That's worth all the hard work, being appreciated.

Merry Christmas to you all and I look forward to watching our festive games kick-off soon!