Ashforth stays put to take the helm

Harrogate Railway unveiled Lee Ashforth as their new manager on Wednesday after Billy Miller left the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League to take the helm at Tadcaster Albion.

Miller’s assistant manager for the last three years, pictured, was appointed with hours of his departure from Station View on Wednesday to replace Paul Marshall at the Northern Counties East League club.

Former Rail keeper Ashforth worked with Miller previously at Liversedge for two years and had considered following him to the Brewers before being offered the chance to stay and build on the club’s record-breaking eighth-place finish to the season in First Division North.

Club officials say they had been preparing for Miller’s departure after Albion registered their interest in his services last week.

In a statement on their website, the club said: “Harrogate Railway’s committee had no hesitation in nominating Lee for the job and are pleased to be able to appoint someone from within who we know has a great understanding for the club and will be able to continue to build on the progress that he was jointly responsible for.

“Promoting from within the ‘boot room’ made absolute sense in this case, given his experience. Lee will be confirming his management team over the next 24 hours and a further announcement will be made tomorrow (Thursday).

“We look forward to working with Lee and wish him and his management team all the best.”

Image courtesy of Caught Light Photography

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