ALEX READY TO CASH IN WITH ASH

ALEX JOHNSON wants to make up for lost time and celebrate a hat-trick of promotions with Ashton United.

The 25-year-old striker didn’t kick a ball in anger last season after leaving Ashton’s local rivals Stalybridge Celtic but he is now chomping at the bit to make his return.

Johnson enjoyed plenty of success earlier in his career, helping FC Halifax to promotion back to the Conference Premier in 2012-13.

He was then part of the Guiseley side that won the Conference North play-offs in 2014-15 before he moved to Stalybridge.

Ashton finished 11th last season and Johnson says that challenging for promotion has to be the target for the Robins.

“I feel like I missed out and need to make up for lost time so once the season comes I will be raring to go,” Johnson said.

“I met the manager (Jody Banim) this summer and was very impressed with what he told me about the club and the club’s ambition. I can’t wait to get started.

“The aim for us this year is to get promoted and hopefully by the end of the season we will have achieved that.”

The Robins have also signed ex-Bolton Wanderers youngster Tom Eckersley who made 18 appearances for FC United last season as well as former loanee John Roberts from Macclesfield Town.

Roberts, 18, was a product of the Accrington Stanley youth academy before completing a move to National League side Macclesfield Town last season, where he was loaned out.