Ashton appointed as Cobh Ramblers interim manager following Henderson's shock departure

STUART Ashton has agreed to become the Cobh Ramblers interim first-team manager for the remainder of the 2019 season.

He is one of the most knowledgeable and respected football men on Leeside. He spent a good portion of his coaching career in the underage ranks with Cork City but was the assistant manager at Ramblers since 2017.

He steps into the role after Stephen Henderson’s resignation following the win over Galway last Friday. It is a logical move for Ramblers given his track record. The Cobh first team players regard him highly.

Chairman Michael O’Donovan said:

“Stuart is held in very high regard and is very well thought of by the players. He has a very good track record.

“After we spoke with the media last Friday night, we met briefly with Stuart and he agreed to take it on an interim basis.

“There are 10 league games to go. We are not entirely out of the playoff positions yet, if you can get a few good results. All the teams above us have to play each other, so you never know what could happen.” 

During his days at City, Ashton helped to bring a number of young players through to first-team football, including the likes of Brian Lenihan, Kevin Long, Alan Browne and John Kavanagh to name but a few.

In 2013, Ashton was the caretaker manager of the Cork City first team squad for a spell, prior to John Caulfield's appointment.

Ashton’s first game in charge as Ramblers interim manager will be away to Longford Town on Saturday week, June 29.

As for the permanent managerial position at Ramblers, the club will advertise the position in the coming weeks and the process will commence from there, with the club aiming to take their time to get the process done properly. Ashton is among the candidates for the permanent job.

According to O’Donovan, Ramblers intend to take their time to get the process right, with an announcement expected for the successful permanent candidate by mid-September.

“It is something we want to get absolutely right. The process will get underway in the next few weeks. We have to get it right because to be fair, Stephen Henderson leaves big boots to fill."