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Under the Spotlight

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This week’s featured player is midfielder Ian Ashbee.

Biography

The summer of 2002 saw Ian Ashbee arrive to the Tigers camp in June, quickly following the signings of Stuart Green and Richie Appleby to form a new look midfield.

Ashbee started his career at Derby County where he was under the guidance of Roy McFarland. Ashbee made only one appearance for the Rams in the 1994/95 season when he played in the last game of the season – against Southend United.

A game which also saw Roy Mcfarland lose his position as Derby County manager.

Ashbee played two pre-season games the following season under Jim Smith, but was later released by Derby County.

Ash moved to IR Knattspyrnudeild in Iceland, where he played eight games and scored three goals.

As Roy McFarland found himself a new job at Cambridge City, Ash became his first signing. His ability to control a midfield and to also play across the back four, Ash was a dominant figure in the team which won promotion to Division 2 in 1999.

Ash showed he was a competitive player when he made his Tigers debut at Boothferry Park, collecting two yellow cards and getting sent off against Southend United.

Ash scored in Taylor’s first game in charge of Hull City by scoring a stunning volley in a 4-1 victory at Torquay United – a goal which was later voted as City’s ‘Goal of the Season’ for 2002/03.

However, ankle ligament damage kept him out for the remainder of the season after he sustained the injury against Shrewsbury Town in March 2003.

Ashbee was a key figure of the promotion winning team from Division 3. A tough tackler who breaks up the play, Ash was the team captain during our first success in nineteen years. In the end, it was fitting that Ashbee’s goal away at Yeovil Town on the penultimate day of the season in the 2-1 victory meant the Tigers were promoted to what is now League 1.

Ash scored his first goal on Hull soil in the 6-1 demolition of Tranmere Rovers last season. By the end of the season, Ashbee had become the first ever player to captain the Tigers to two successive promotions in our 101 year history.

Ash was announced as the captain for the Championship season. Despite many fans fearing he wouldn’t be up to this level, Ash made a steady start before suffering a dreadful knee injury, which has ruled him out for almost all of the season. At one point, it looked like the injury could be career threatening.

Ash has been a figure missed in the middle of the park. A player who always battled and always had desire, he is a sad loss, and we all hope he can be back as soon as possible.

All here wish him all the luck in a full and speedy recovery.

Stats

Name: Ian Ashbee

Nationality: English

Date of Birth: 06.09.1976

Height: 6ft 1 (185 cm)

Weight: 13st 7lbs (85.8kg)

Previous Clubs: Cambridge United, Derby County

Position: Midfield

Career Stats

Derby County (1994/95)

League: 1 full


Cambridge United (1998 – 2002)

League: 149 full + 9 sub / 10 goals
League Cup: 6 full
FA Cup: 11 full


Hull City (2002 – till present day)

League: 116 full / 4 goals
League Cup: 4 full
FA Cup: 6 full


Total:
League: 266 full + 9 sub / 14 goals
League Cup: 10 full
FA Cup: 17 full
Total: 293 full + 9 sub / 14 goals

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