My eyes are set on the title and getting Ashford back into Ryman football, says Ashford United winger Ryan Palmer

ASHFORD UNITED winger Ryan Palmer says he has increased his own personal goals to ensure the club are promoted at the end of the coming season.

Palmer, 25, has put pen to paper to stay at Homelands Stadium after helping the club finish behind Greenwich Borough and Hollands & Blair in the Southern Counties East Football League.

Danny Lye’s side lost 7-6 on penalties to Sheppey United after a goal-less Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Final and lost 3-0 at Salisbury City in the FA Vase Quarter-Finals during a season of turmoil behind the scenes.

“I am overjoyed that I have made the decision to stay at Ashford United,” said Palmer.

“I had various offers at higher levels but was persuaded by the ambition and project of the club which was expressed from Danny Lye.

“Ashford for me is a very special place. This is the best club that I have ever been at and also has the best fans.  The fans make every game that much more special, they are committed, loud and supportive. They bring my level of morale up when performing. They are a great bunch of guys and I get on well with all of them, from pitch side to in the club house they are brilliant and help the driving force of the team.”

Manager Lye and his management team must take credit for holding the club together after losing 10 points through administration and battling through off-the-pitch issues.

“Last season in many ways was very successful with all the memories we created,” recalled Palmer.

“The highlight for me was the journey in the FA Vase. We got to play and stay in places every so often, this made me feel similar to what professional footballers would be doing on a larger scale.

“During the course of the season I did not have many lows as my mind set and the clubs was very high.  I would just say it was very disappointing with the run that we were on, then was suddenly taken away from us and the momentum went because 10 points were deducted. This was a massive blow and really set us back in catching leaders Greenwich Borough.”

Palmer is keen to increase his level of performance to ensure Ashford United come out on top this coming Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign.

He said: “This season is a different matter and my eyes are set on the title and getting Ashford back into Ryman football. 

“This season, as every season, I will set myself targets and expectations to achieve, making them realistic and measurable. Last season was 15 goals and 10 assists. I was able to get 16 goals and 15 plus assistants which I was happy with.

“This season I will be setting myself 25 goals and 15 assists which I should be reaching considering I went a while of games in a row without scoring last season.

“I have no doubt as a team we will go on this season to challenge for every medal and competition we enter.

“We have an amazing squad with some great additions. Winger Tasser Hassan  has the same mind set and we are very different at the same time.  However, because we have different player styles we compliment each other and we are always feeing of each other’s flair.

“Shaun Welford (striker) is such a great experienced player to learn and play with. The man is in good condition considering his age and puts in 100% every game.  We work together very well. We have built up a relationship where we can tell from our body language what our next move us.  The main inspires me to achieve and be determined. He is aware of my ability but doesn’t allow me to get comfortable and wants to push me to the limit.

“One massive addition, which I was waiting for was goalkeeper George Kamurasi.

“I was so happy when he announced he was staying with Ashford, as I know he was getting similar interest around the same time as me. We were both close to signing elsewhere but when talking to each other and saying what we can achieve together and what we have done already in our playing careers is something most people don’t get to do.

“George and I go way back and we have played in various teams together such as Ashford, Grays Athletic and Erith & Belvedere.

“I cannot wait to get started with this season and looking forward to getting back into pre-season and seeing all the lads and getting that chemistry flowing again. My confidence is still high and it will only get greater.”

Ashford United kick-off their pre-season campaign when they welcome Folkestone Invicta to Homelands Stadium on Saturday 9 July 2016 (15:00).

Neil Cugley guided Invicta to the Ryman League Division One South title last season and are preparing for life in the Ryman Premier League.

Before that though, Ashford United officials are holding a supporters meeting on Tuesday, 28 June, starting at 19:30.  The meeting takes place at Sandyacres Sports Club, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford TN25 4NT to bring supporters up to date with news ahead of the new season.`

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