Newcastle United loan man has had a difficult spell at Bradford City
Harrison Ashby
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Harrison Ashby is hoping he can finally make his mark for Bradford City after struggling for game time following his loan move from Newcastle United.
The full-back joined the League One side in January along with fellow Newcastle man Joe White but has been restricted to very few minutes since his arrival.
Ashby - who joined United in January 2023 and was unveiled at St James' Park alongside Anthony Gordon - didn't make a first team appearance for the Magpies. Instead, he found himself sent out on loan to Championship sides Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers.
Ashby is out of contract this summer. His loan move to League One Bradford was designed to put him in the shop window as well as get some minutes under his belt after an injury-restricted first half of the season, but the right-back has barely seen any action for the League One outfit.
However, he started for Bradford for just the second time on Easter Monday, helping them come from behind to beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 at Adams Park. And Bantams captain Max Power has praised the 24-year-old's professionalism despite his lack of game time.
“That was a squad win and the lads that have come into the team have done really well," Power said. “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.”
Former Sunderland midfielder Power has been able to call upon his own experiences to support Ashby. The midfielder had a spell on the fringes at Danish side AGF and says that has meant he knows what Ashby has been 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," he added to The Telegraph & Argus. "I was in a situation where younger lads were playing ahead of me and the club was on a path to sell players.
“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.”
Ashby will now be hoping he can get a regular run of minutes under his belt between now and the end of the season. The former West Ham United man - who cost Newcastle a reported £3million - is a free agent in the summer and is looking to get fixed up with a new club.
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