Langton looks forward to working with Lovell

HUGO LANGTON is relishing his new role as Steve Lovell’s assistant manager at promotion chasing Ashford Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 34-year-old, sales manager from Forest Hill, south London, arrived at the Ryman League Division One South club on Monday, with a wealth of experience.

And he is pleased to have made the switch from table-topping Bulmers Cider Kent League side Holmesdale, having previously managed Vandanel Kent County League outfit Rusthall.

Langton takes his first training session tomorrow night as Ashford prepare for their Kent derby at Cray Wanderers.

“Very pleased (to have) a chance to go to a big non-league club like Ashford and to work with someone like Steve (Lovell) is phenomenal opportunity,” Langton told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning.

“It’s obviously hard leaving a club like Holmesdale, who are a fantastic club. What they’ve got down there, the managers and staff that they’ve got, and what’s going on off the field, it’s a truly amazing club.

Langton leaves Bromley Common based Holmesdale sitting pretty at the top of the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, with the club sitting three points clear of Hythe Town, although Paul Fisk’s side have two games in hand.

But modest Langton refused to take all the credit for the Dalers impressive start, saying that joint-bosses Tony Beckingham and Ken Thurgood should take the plaudits.

“That’s down to Tony and Ken, I’m not taking any credit for that,” said Langton. “We worked as a team, but those two guys are different grade. Their manager of the month (award) recognised all the hard work they do.

“Those two are so under-rated big time. You couldn’t ask to work with two better people if I’m honest with you.”

Langton is relishing working alongside Lovell, admitting the Welshman needs some help inside the technical area.

“I think the main thing Steve hasn’t had (is) a number two since Rob Udburg moved on,” said Langton.

“Steve’s been doing everything, he’s managing, he’s coaching. Every manager needs an assistant to bounce ideas off and help with the coaching and a second pair of eyes.”

Langton has a baptism of fire as his first two games are big Kent derbies against Cray Wanderers and Sittingbourne.

“I couldn’t ask for two bigger games,” admits Langton. “Cray are up there on a great run, on my door step as well. I live about five miles from Hayes Lane, so (it’s an) exciting start. I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m in tomorrow night to meet the players and get involved with the first session.

“From what I understand we’re conceding a few silly goals at the moment. Initially I’ll be looking at the back four.”

Langton gave fans an insight to his career to date - and if he’s coaching carer replicates his three previous clubs, then Ashford are on course for a good season.

“In a nutshell as a player I played step five in the Wessex League with Moneyfields a long time ago,” he recalled.

“Back then I was a centre forward, this was probably about 12 years ago. My playing career didn’t last very long due to ongoing hamstring and groin problems, which are pretty much dead.

“I lived in Portsmouth, I’m from Gillingham originally and moved to Portsmouth for seven years and then moved to London.

“I started in youth football for countless clubs and got my head down, done my badges, getting as much experience and ended up in a baptism of fire with Gillingham ladies, which made me grow up as a coach (and) I took them to their highest ever finish.

“I moved to Rusthall and also led them to their highest ever finish in their history and then coached at Holmesdale.”

Speaking about what he’ll bring to the party at Homelands, Langton said: “I really believe in my own ability as a coach. I think Steve and I have the same ideas and philosophy on football. I understand what Ashford Town are about and understand the expectations down there and I am confident that Steve and I will work well down there.”

Langton, who was still Rusthall’s manager at the time, watched Cray Wanderers’ 4-2 friendly win at Holmesdale at Langley Park Sports Ground, Beckenham in July so he knows a bit about Ian Jenkins’ side.

“I know they’re well organised, attack minded and they’re capable of scoring goals, which they’ve been doing quite a bit lately,” added Langton.

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

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk

Cray Wanderers v Ashford Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 11^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF