Danny Lye retains three of his Ashford United title winnnig squad, while Zac Attwood stays at Crowborough

ASHFORD UNITED boss Danny Lye has retained three more of his championship winning squad.

The club are preparing for next season’s Isthmian League Division One South campaign after claiming the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division title by a couple of points from Crowborough Athletic.

Left-back Fraser Walker, midfielder David Botterill and winger Dan Stubbs have all agreed to remain at the club.

“All three of these boys were mid-season signings and proved an integral part of the team on the pitch and in the dressing room,” Lye told www.ashfordunitedfc.com.

“Fraser is a top athlete who gives us pace to the back line.  He was a solid defender last year and I am looking forward to him pushing on next season.  Not only does he bring us energy on the pitch, he puts on great music in the dressing room.

“Stubbs and Botts are vastly experienced in the Ryman South so will not need any time to settle.

“Stubbs is a tenacious midfielder who really strengthened the team when he arrived back from injury, while the reliable Botts has been a calming influence on the pitch that we missed during his spell out with injury last time.”

Goalkeeper George Kamurasi, midfielder Ben Davisson, winger Rory Hill, striker Shaun Welford are also staying put.

Lye has re-signed midfielder Tom Michelson, after spells with Chatham Town and Hollands & Blair.

“Mitch made a bad choice last year when he left to join Chatham,” said Lye.

“He will have a point to prove to himself this season so I was keen to re-sign the boy. 

“He is my type of player! He works hard for the team and puts his body on the line so is a good addition to the squad.

“Those that were at the away game at Corinthian last season will remember that magic moment in injury time when Mitch grabbed a superb winner despite us being a man down.  The celebrations with the players and fans were fantastic and proved they never give up, showing the mentality running through our squad.

Lye’s other summer signing was to entice Sam Long to the club after his player-coach role at Southern Counties East Football League First Division champions Glebe last season.

Glebe’s manager Adam Woodward and his assistant Timmy Warden both quit the Chislehurst based club and were both appointed Erith Town’s new management team yesterday.

Meanwhile, Crowborough Athletic have confirmed that last season’s top scorer Zac Attwood and midfield duo Jack Walder and Tom Vickers are staying at the club after their 90 points last season weren’t enough to seal the title and promotion.