Career Paths charts the footballing career of a Wolves Academy graduate after their time at the club came to an end. Next up is forward Ashley Hemmings.
Wolves (2009–2012)
Ashley Hemmings joined the old gold at the tender age of nine, progressing slowly, but surely, before making his first-team debut against Barnsley in April 2009, a game in which sealed the Championship title. It was one of just two first-team appearances he made for the club before his contract expired in 2012 and wasn’t renewed.
Cheltenham Town (2009 - loan)
Before making his inaugural first-team appearance for Wolves, Hemmings joined Cheltenham Town on loan, making his senior debut against Millwall, although that was his only game for the club.
Torquay United (2010-11 - loan)
After his old gold debut, Hemmings signed for Torquay United on a one-month loan deal that was eventually extended until the end of the season. He played just nine times in the league, however, but did register an assist in the second round of the FA Cup as they beat Walsall 1-0.
Plymouth Argyle (2011-12 - loan)
One year after joining Torquay, Hemmings was out on loan once more, this time at Plymouth Argyle. He enjoyed a more fruitful time on the south coast, playing 23 times in the league, and scoring two goals. It was rumoured that Hemmings would sign permanently for ‘The Pilgrims’, but manager Carl Fletcher passed up the opportunity to agree a deal.
Walsall (2012-2014)
Hemmings signed for Walsall as a free agent in 2012, and he scored on his debut for the club against Brentford. He was a regular in his first season, appearing 34 times and scoring twice. However, despite starting the following year as an important member of the team, his chances soon became limited, and Hemmings joined Burton on loan in order to improve his game time. He was then released by Walsall at the end of his contract.
Burton Albion (2014 - loan)
He joined promotion-hunting Burton in March 2014, but wasn’t a regular, and didn’t appear in the matchday squad as they lost the League Two Play-Off Final to Fleetwood Town.
Dagenham & Redbridge (2014-2016)
After training with Dagenham & Redbridge in pre-season, Hemmings was offered a contract by the club, which he duly accepted. In just his second game, Hemmings scored twice, including a 90th minute equaliser, and provided an assist in a crazy 6-6 draw against Brentford in the League Cup, although they did crash out on penalties. However, it was a promising start to life at Dagenham for Hemmings, who immediately became a fully-fledged member of the starting XI. He played 44 times in his debut campaign, netting seven goals along the way. The subsequent year Dagenham struggled, however, and he was one of 12 players who were released following their relegation to the National League.
Mansfield Town (2016-2017)
Upon his release from Dagenham, Hemmings linked up with Mansfield Town for one season. He scored in the FA Cup, against Plymouth, but didn’t register a single league goal in his 16 appearances.
Boston United (2017-2018)
Hemmings finally dipped his toe in non-league waters in 2017 when he joined National League North side Boston United. He thoroughly impressed at Boston, scoring 16 goals, and was awarded the club’s player of the season trophy. Hemmings’ eye-catching form saw him leave the club after just one season.
Salford City (2018)
He joined Salford City in May 2018, but left just two months later without playing a game for the club.
AFC Fylde (2018-2019)
His strike rate at Boston convinced AFC Fylde, a National League side like Salford, to give Hemmings a chance, and he joined before the start of the 2018/19 campaign. He played 28 games for the club, scoring three times before being loaned out to Altrincham twice.
Altrincham (2018-19 - loan)
Hemmings’ first spell at Altrincham saw him score two goals in five games, which prompted them to re-sign him on loan the following year. He netted just once in his second spell, but it was enough for Kidderminster Harriers, who signed him in October 2019.
Kidderminster Harriers (2019-present)
Hemmings scored four goals in his first season at Kidderminster, before adding a further seven to his tally the next year. His contract was extended in February 2021, and he was awarded National League North Player of the Month for October 2021 after netting twice in the month. His goals also helped guide Harriers to a famous run to the FA Cup fourth round last season.
