Bradford City captain Max Power has been speaking to on-loan Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby “for months on end” to keep him going.
The 24-year-old arrived with plenty of pedigree, having been prised from West Ham United by the Magpies for a reported £3m in 2023.
The right-back had also spent time on loan in the Championship with Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers, but has found opportunities limited in League One.
He started for just the second time in Bradford colours yesterday (April 6), helping the Bantams come from behind to beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 at Adams Park.
Bradford City captain Max Power has been offering support for those on the fringes.placeholder image
Bradford City captain Max Power has been offering support for those on the fringes. | Pete Norton/Getty Images
Max Power’s talks with Harrison Ashby
As reported by The Telegraph & Argus, Bradford captain Power said: “That was a squad win and the lads that have come into the team have done really well.
“Harrison's the prime example for me. I've spoken with him for months on end now, trying to keep him going.
“I know it's difficult when you're not playing but he's trained properly every day and he’s got his just rewards. It's probably took a little bit longer for him.”
Life on the fringes
Power has a wealth of experience his younger teammates can tap into and he has previously found himself on the fringes.
The 32-year-old endured a struggle for minutes during a spell with Danish side AGF and therefore understands what Ashby is going through.
He said: “I think it's easier as you get older because you see situations. That was like the last year I had in Denmark.
“I'm 31 years of age but that was probably the most I've learned about myself during a season. I was in a situation where younger lads were playing ahead of me and the club was on a path to sell players.
Harrison Ashby has been a bit-part player since his loan move from Newcastle United to Bradford City.placeholder image
Harrison Ashby has been a bit-part player since his loan move from Newcastle United to Bradford City. | Tony Johnson
“I had to learn how to deal with that and become an all-round better squad person. I found it really difficult because I want to play but I channelled my energy into keeping fit and trying to help those lads. I think that's what I've tried to pass on.
“I've spoken with a lot of the lads outside of the team and I know how hard it is when you're not playing. I think that's where you look at Harrison and I hope that gives everyone a lift that if you do the right things at some point, the chance will come.
“Unfortunately, there are times, like with me last year, I found myself in a situation where no matter what I’ve done the situation didn’t change. But football changes quickly and it’s credit to Harrison’s persistence for putting in a top performance.”