I just hope with my commitment to improve myself as a manager-coach, I can help improve the fortunes of Ashford United on the pitch, vows newly-appointed manager Gary Alexander

GARY ALEXANDER has taken over as Ashford United’s manager.

The 38-year-old former Millwall ace was appointed assistant manager to Jason Whitmore on 11 January 2018 after he resigned as Greenwich Borough’s manager owing to budget cuts on 4 January.

Whitmore took charge of his last game at the weekend, going down to a 4-1 home defeat to Walton Casuals, who ended Cray Wanderers promotion bid with a 5-2 win at Hayes Lane last night in the play-off semi-finals.

Ashford United endured a miserable campaign, finishing in the bottom four on 38 points from 46 games.  Only one side were relegated and that went to Shoreham, who finished on eight points.

“I am honoured to become manager of such as well supported club with huge position and what a fantastic opportunity it is,” Alexander told www.ashfordunitedfc.com.

“I can’t thank Jason Whitmore and the club enough for the chance.  I just hope with my commitment to improve myself as a manager-coach, I can help improve the fortunes of Ashford United on the pitch. 

“The last few months have been a great learning curve for myself.  In recent weeks, I’ve had a chance to get out and watch players for us to get, that will hopefully lead Ashford United to become the force they should be in the Bostik South.

“There will be comings and goings ready to go on 28 June.”

Alexander, who officially took over on 30 April, has snapped up John Mackie as his assistant manager and the pair worked together well at their league rivals Greenwich Borough.

“John Mackie will be joining myself and will add a wealth of football knowledge to the group we have,” said Alexander.

“John is somebody I’ve worked with before, someone I trust and all that I have achieved in my short spell as a manager.  I couldn’t have done it without him, so I’m delighted he will be back to take this club forward.

“Jason will still be around and I’ll always be speaking and working with him to make sure we are heading in the right direction.”

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