Another graduate of the Alex Academy, Ashley signed professional terms in the summer of 2008.

A versatile player who can operate at either full back or in midfield, Ashley has a lot of talent and skill that benefits him when coming into consideration for a place in the starting eleven.

Ashley made his debut against Millwall in the club's 1-0 defeat in March 2008, coming on as a substitute for the final ten minutes. He followed that up a week later with his second appearance, again as a substitute, against Swindon at the County Ground, and he has never looked back.

A promising prospect for the future, Ashley had a 2009/10 season beyond even his own expectations, walking away with numerous Player of the Year awards at the end of the season. A solid and committed player, Ashley spent the majority of last season playing in midfield, although he did slot in at full back when required. Not shy of a goal or two either, Ashley netted his first professional goal against Chesterfield in December 2009 with a stunningly taken free kick from 25 yards out that went straight into the back of the net. He followed that up with a further five goals that season including a brace against Northampton in February 2010. He was rewarded during the summer of 2010 with his third contract extension in a year to keep him at the club until 2013.