Kentish Football 
Ashford arrange special benefit match for Cunningham
The Ryman League Division One South club, who have won their last four matches, have arranged a match against the famous Arsenal Old Boys, supported by some well known Kent County Cricketers, and Ashford’s Neil “Razor” Ruddock to be played at the Homelands on Thursday 28 September with Cunningham being guest of honour.
“We all wish Barry the very best of luck and as a club would like to do something for him,” chief executive Mark Jenner told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk
"Shepherd Neame are the match sponsors and have generously agreed to pay all the fees involved in putting the game on. It promises to be a memorable event which I hope everyone will support."
The club, who welcome Ryman Premier League neighbours Tonbridge Angels in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup to the Homelands on Saturday, have also secured a deal with Kent brewers Shepherd Neame.
“It is well known that under the club’s previous administration a great deal of debt was built up which eventually lead to the virtual demise of the club and the Rodney Marsh/John Gurney era,” said Mr Jenner.
“Since 2001 we have dealt with all the outstanding creditors amounting to about £80,000 and have been repaying a loan to the brewery of another £100,000 of which some 60% has so far been paid.
“One of the consequences of the brewery loan has been the inability to change suppliers because of the onerous terms of the loan and the fact that we were literally held over a barrel having to pay over the odds for our beer and spirits supplies.
“After discussions with our new landlords I am delighted to say they were persuaded to pay down the brewery loan in full thereby releasing us from the clutches of Greene King.
“We will in turn enter into arrangements to pay them back but under improved terms but the real benefit is our opportunity to change suppliers.
“Consequently, we have this week appointed Kent based Shepherd Neame and will in future stock their highly rated beers in the bars.
“The better prices we have achieved for purchasing stock will mean that the bars will be much more profitable thereby making more money available to run the club and the bonus is, the beer will be excellent.
“As part of the deal, Shepherd Neame will be making a cash donation to the club, have purchased pitchside advertising and have agreed to sponsor the reserves this season.
“This is a splendid result which will benefit everyone and helps get the club on a sound financial footing.”
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