Lovell starts to rebuild Ashford squad

Steve Lovell continues to rebuild the Ashford Town team with news of two departures - and another new face expected to sign tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

Lovell handed Sean Ray, 26, his debut during Tuesday night’s shocking 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Worthing.

But the former Hastings United skipper, who plays in the heart of defence, was the only player to receive praise from the Welsh boss, after Ashford suffered their third successive defeat since Lovell replaced Clive Walker as boss fourteen days earlier.

Lovell, who also brought Paul Jones back to The Homelands, following a spell with Folkestone Invicta, has released striker Adrian Stone, 25, and defender Graham Porter, 33.

“They are both great lads but they aren’t fit enough to play and that is no good to anyone,” Lovell told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“I have allowed them to find another club because I can’t see them getting a game here and they need to play.

“We need a strong, fit squad here and I’m working towards that.

“But as I have told them and will tell other players who may leave, the door is always open.

“If they prove their fitness and desire to play for the club, then they always have a chance of returning.”

Lovell, however, insisted that former Bishop’s Stortford defender, Rob Gillman, 23, remains at the club, and explained why he was omitted from last night’s squad.

“Rob did not play last night because he was ill, simple as that,” said the former Sittingbourne boss.

“He is keen to roll his sleeves up and have a real go. He would have played last night but he was ill.

“I’m looking forward to pairing him at the heart of the defence on Saturday with Sean Ray.”

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley felt Jones returning to Ashford suited all parties.

“I don’t think we had any option in the end because we weren’t paying him and he hasn’t trained with us at all,” explained Cugley, speaking to www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“I did speak to him about coming back but I think he feels that level suits him and the Ashford situation does seem to suit him too because he lives close to there and they’re a good club at that level - we wish him all the best.”

Lovell, meanwhile, and the Homelands faithful are keen to avoid a repeat performance when Burgess Hill Town visit on Saturday.

Gary Croydon has taken the decision to step down as the boss of the West Sussex club, having taken the decision to concentrate on his role of chief executive role, whilst assistant manager Jamie Howell takes over the reigns at Leylands Park.

Croydon felt it “was time for me to give a younger man the opportunity of continuing the good work with the progress of the footballing side,”

And Lovell added: “I’m looking forward to building a team that will fit into the system I like to play and hopefully the fans will see this on Saturday against Burgess Hill.”

Quotes courtesy of www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Ashford Town v Burgess Hill Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 17^th November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ