I have taken the club as far as I can, says Ashford United chairman Don Crosbie, who puts the club up for sale due to retirement

ASHFORD UNITED chairman Don Crosbie has announced that he is selling the Isthmian League South East Division club.

“I have taken the club as far as I can and despite the tough challenges on the way, have succeeded in putting the club in a much stronger and financially sound position than when I first purchased the club,” said Mr Crosbie in a statement.

“The club boasts a rare factor in so much as Ashford United own the 14.5 acre freehold and does not have a secondary landlord to stifle growth or expansion.

“The facility I have created is a sound platform for Ashford United to progress but sadly after installing the second artificial pitch, I have neither the necessary finance or health to take the club to where it can definitely rise, hence the time has come to hand over the reins to someone that can continue the ambitions of this great club.”

A club statement added: “Over newly two decades Don Crosbie has been custodian of Ashford United Football Club.  Through both tough times and good, he is proud to have seen the club have great successes and grow from one team to over 28 regular Ashford United teams.

“Homelands has become a massive community facility catering for more than 1,500 users per week.  These include girls and ladies’ teams, boys and men teams ad also our 180 vets, who give much enjoyment playing their leagues on a Sunday evening.

“Over the previous few years, despite set-backs and of course the pandemic, the club has gained planning permission for new and upgraded state of the art facilities, commercial enabling and a new 3G all-weather pitch, which has now been installed.

“Don is preparing for retirement next year, at the young age of 70, and is looking to sell the club to someone with the youth, enthusiasm, energy and financially backing that can continue to strive for football excellence, support the loyal community of supporters and players and fulfil the expansion plans.

“Ashford United is actively seeking a new custodian to purchase the dynamic business and excited for its next chapter.”

The club are presently sitting in seventh-place in the eighth-tier Isthmian League South East Division table with 16 points from their nine games – eight points adrift of leaders Ramsgate.

Kevin Watson’s side welcome Sheppey United to Homelands Stadium tomorrow (15:00).

Ernie Batten’s men are in eleventh-place in the table (14 points from nine games) and reached The FA Cup First Round for the very first time, where they lost 4-1 at home to League Two side Walsall.

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