Ashford United boss Gary Alexander continues his squad rebuilding job

ASHFORD UNITED manager Gary Alexander continues his squad rebuilding job at Homelands Stadium.

Alexander has made six summer signings so far, having brought in Ollie Rowe, Lea Dawson, Antonio Simeone, Tom Carlse, Sam Mott and Josh Wisson.

Wisson, 20, who was called up to the England Schoolboys squad in 2016, whilst playing for Sittingbourne, made 50 appearances for Herne Bay last season and has also been on trial at Championship outfit Millwall.

Midfielder Wisson told www.ashfordunitedfc.com: “I am very pleased to be joining Ashford next season. I’ve had some good chats with Gary and believe we are going to do very well next season.”

Alexander added: “Josh is a young talent with real quality. He’s played for England Schoolboys and has great pedigree having been on trial to club’s much higher up the ladder, so that shows us what he’s about.  Hopefully he can come and be a big success for Ashford and progress his career.”

Having lost goalkeeper George Kamurasi to their Bostik South East Division rivals Hythe Town, Alexander has brought in a replacement in Mott.

Mott signed for AFC Hornchurch in 2014 and making 207 appearances for the Bostik North title winners, the highly-rated stopper kept an Urchins’ record breaking 78 clean sheets for the Essex outfit.

Mott also won the Conference South title with Welling United in 2013, which earnt him a call up to the England C side against Turkey.

Mott made his name at Thamesmead Town and has also featured for East Thurrock United.

Alexander said: “I’m very happy to secure the services of Sam Mott. He comes with a great reputation having played at a higher level and having won league titles. He will be a real quality addition to the team.”

Meanwhile, National League Leyton Orient have confirmed John Mackie has taken a role within their Academy.

Mackie will coach the O’s under 16 team, alongside Matt Waldren, in a role that he will combine with his first team duties alongside Alexander at Ashford United, who finished in the bottom four in Bostik South last season.

Mackie told www.leytonorient.com: “Obviously it’s a place that I love and I had some good times here.  I want to pass on some of my knowledge to the younger ones and hopefully get them into the first team.”

O’s Academy manager Lewis Spencer, who played under Alexander and Mackie at Greenwich Borough, praised Mackie's arrival saying, "We are delighted to welcome John back to the Club, he had an excellent spell as a player and has a real wealth of experience he can pass on to the boys, in particular on the art of defending."

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