Steve Cunningham has thanked Ashton United FC for its support after extending his contract as manager.

The club confirmed on Monday that the former Curzon Ashton and Buxton FC boss has penned fresh terms, keeping him at Hurst Cross until the end of the 2025/26 campaign. 

It's been a season of ups and downs for the Robins, who finished in 14th position in the 22-team Northern Premier League Premier Division with 53 points from 42 league outings. 

Since Cunningham replaced Michael Clegg at the helm in early January, results and performances have improved enough to convince joint chairmen Jonathan Sayer and David Burke he is the right person to help the Robins fulfil the ambition of gaining promotion to the National League North. 

'We will do all we can to help the club achieve its goals' 

"Steven has impressed the board in his short time at the club and there has been matches of real quality with some great football played," they said in a statement.

"We're excited about Steve having a pre-season to put a squad together and bring an attractive attacking style of football to Hurst Cross, and we feel that he is the right person to build a squad to compliment the exciting developments we have planned for the next few years.

"We are an ambitious club seeking to reach the National League North as quickly as possible, with facilities and a fan base that will sustain the long term future of Ashton United."

Now his immediate future has been determined, Cunningham himself is looking forward to seeing what can be achieved at the Tameside club. 

"I am really excited about the project that has been presented to me and I am very proud to be the manager David and Jonathan have entrusted to lead the club on their behalf from the dugout," he commented. 

"The club have shown a real belief and commitment to me and I cannot thank them enough. Since I came in the club they have given me nothing but support and this contract is another sign of that support.

"We will do all we can to help the club achieve its goals during this period. It will be a bumpy road but an exciting journey none the less." 

With a full pre-season to come giving Cunningham a chance to add his own players to the squad, there could be exciting times ahead for the Robins.

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