Twelve months later, Tiffin was appointed captain and a highly successful period in the history of the club followed under his leadership.

However, during the close season, Tiffin accepted a new role at Langwell Crescent – Director of cricket. The new post has seen him forego playing for the second eleven (although he still represents Northumberland at over 50s level) – but he is quite happy to do this as he explained in an exclusive interview with sports correspondent Brian Bennett.

"I just felt senior wise that we were going backwards at the club - there was no direction for late teenagers or players in there early 20s.

"Ashington have probably more level three coaches than any other club in Northumberland and on Saturday mornings there are any amount of coaches coaching the kids but it was ending with nothing happening.

"So after an initial discussion with chairman Bruce Storey at the annual dinner, I was asked if I would like to do the job of director of cricket. It was thought I would be in charge of all the coaches at the club but I can honestly say that their knowledge is equally as good as mine - if not better in lots of areas - and there help is invaluable – it's fantastic and it makes my job easier."

He continued: "I think we've already seen a benefit and we're only half way through the season.

"We decided to reduce the amount of cup fixtures and make Tuesday night a club night where we can have organised practices for what people want and I'm sure the fitness of players, coupled with fielding and bowling skills has helped.

"Certainly we have seen a big improvement in the teenagers and I'm sure we are sending the right messages out to everybody."

Tiffin's commitment to the club is huge. As he lives in Seahouses in North Northumberland a 'home' game at Ashington sees him clock up a round trip approaching 80 miles. Then there is the 'away' travels including Leadgate, Annfield Plain, Lintz and Tynedale!

Tiffin went on: "I still wish I was playing for the second team but if I did, some kid is going to miss out and then on the other hand what I'm doing now I enjoy enormously.

"Alnwick wanted me to go back to do a similar role but my love for the club at Ashington is massive and I'm more than happy to stay with them."