Ashford unveil former Jamaican international striker

ASHFORD TOWN have tonight unveiled the loan-signing of striker Orlando Smith from Blue Square South side Welling United, writes Stephen McCartney.

Smith, who is nicknamed “Mucu”, made his Welling United debut against Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly last July and has scored just one goal for the Wings this term.

He represented Jamaica at Under 12 to Under 17 level, whilst playing with his local club Real Mona before he moved to England in 2002, playing for Beckenham Town and Chipstead.

Ashford Town owner, Don Crosbie, speaking to www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk, says the loan signing will assist two strikers that are already at the club, Paul Jones and Craig Wilkins.

“Orlando is an attacking midfielder but is also a winger,” he said. “He is quite versatile up front. He can sit comfortably behind the front two as he is skilful and difficult to play against.

“I think he will assist Jonah and Craig immensely.”

Meanwhile, Mr Crosbie has offered some encouraging words of support to Whitstable Town chairman Tony Rouse, ahead of the two club’s fixture at the KRBS Belmont on Tuesday week.

Mr Rouse told a handful of Whitstable fans that they would not be welcome at the club if they continue to criticise players, as was the case when a handful of fans personally shouted at players following the 1-0 defeat at Folkestone Invicta last month.

Whitstable Town are praised by many in the game for being one of the friendliest clubs here in the Garden of England, and Mr Crosbie, posting a message on the fans’ forum at www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk, agrees.

“I would just like to say that Tony Rouse is one of the most honest and hard working chairman I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I respect him enormously,” he said.

“He would always get my support and I think the Whitstable fans generally respect his passion and humility.

“He is without doubt one of the best football club chairman I have ever met and Whitstable Town would be a poorer place without him, so long may he reign.”

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk