The goalkeeper that gravity forgot will be swapping Brookburn Road for the Eithad Campus for this coming season. The club can confirm that Aaron Ashley will be taking up a full time coaching role with Champions Manchester City helping to develop the next generation of goalkeepers in their academy.

“From the first day I joined West, I was made to feel a huge part of the team. I am disappointed to be leaving such a great group of people. Thank you to the board members, the management team, all the players I have played with at West and of course the most unique and amazing supporters in non league football! I will miss you all” - Aaron Ashley

Ashley, 22, joined the club in March 2017, after Manager Steve Settle witnessed a man-of-the-match

performance whilst playing for Bacup Borough at Cheadle Town, helping West win nine of their remaining 11 games on their way to a 6th place finish and record points total. Despite his diminutive stature it didn't take long for supporters to embrace him with the Norwegian supporters club becoming his official sponsor following a sensational penalty save against Cammell Laird in the final home game of the season.

Nicknamed #AirAshley for his agility, the highlight of this came the following season away to AFC Blackpool in the FA Vase where having already made a sensational save, he managed to lift himself off the floor from outside the width of the posts, to deny an open goal attempt from 6 yards out.

Setts said “‘I’d go as far to say Aaron is among the best goalkeepers I've seen at this level of football, he was tremendous for us last season pulling off numerous astonishing saves. This represents a great opportunity for him to start a full time career in football and we wish him all the best at Manchester City’”

In total Aaron made 47 appearances in total including collecting the September 2017 goalkeeper of the month award following some outstanding displays. Everyone at the football club would like to wish Aaron the very best of luck in his new role at Manchester City and thank him for his contribution to the football club.