We expect to mount a serious challenge on all fronts next season, says Ashford United boss Danny Lye

ASHFORD UNITED player-manager Danny Lye says his side will be looking to mount a serious challenge on all fronts this coming season.

The club finished in third-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table last season when they finished behind Greenwich Borough and Hollands & Blair.

Lye has enticed central defender Stuart West and winger Brett Ince from Hollands & Blair and the pair are expected to play in their opening pre-season friendly against Folkestone Invicta at Homelands Stadium tomorrow.

Folkestone Invicta walked away with the Ryman League Division One South title last season and former Ashford boss Neil Cugley is preparing for life in the Ryman Premier League.

The two clubs are competing for the inaugural George Sergeant Memorial Shield, a man who was a loyal servant to Ashford Town from 1952-2004, running on to the pitch in his green tracksuit with bucket and sponge in his hands.

“Pre-season has started well with plenty of running, which is to be expected,” said Lye, who guided the club to the FA Vase Quarter-Finals last season.

“Tomorrow’s game has been made in to a special even as a top guy George Sargeant passed away recently. George was a long serving member to football putting in decades into the sport.

“I hope we can attract lots of fans to celebrate his life tomorrow and put on a good show between us and Folkestone.

“Obviously Folkestone will be a good test to us as they proved last year what a great side and manager they have.   They were promoted into the Ryman Prem this year and improved their squad from last year so tomorrow will be a good test.

“From Ashford’s point of view, it is again improving on previous performances and building match fitness ready for our FA Cup game early in August.

“I remember last year before I was in charge losing a pre-season game 7-1 to Folkestone, something which was hard to take as a player and something we do not want to repeat.

“We have strengthened the squad through the summer by adding Stuart West and Brett Ince from Hollands & Blair and the special talent of Rory Hill, signed from Cray Valley.

“The boys from Blair add strength, quality and a winning mentality, while Rory gives us great creativity.

“We have also managed to keep most of the team from last year so we expect to mount a serious challenge on all fronts next season.

“We wish Folkestone the best of luck in the Prem this year as they have been knocking on the door for several years now.

“With the likes of Frankie Chappell and Liam Friend at the back and Ian Draycott up front, I think they will be well equipped to secure at least a mid-table position.”

Visit Ashford United’s website:  www.ashfordunitedfc.com

Ashford United  v  Folkestone Invicta
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 9^th July 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ