Ashford United fans' asked to contribute towards Danny Lye's playing budget

ASHFORD UNITED supporters’ have been asked by the club to help contribute towards Danny Lye’s playing budget for the season ahead.

Lye worked miracles last season guiding the club to third-place in the Southern Counties East Football League behind Greenwich Borough and Hollands & Blair, the Kent Senior Trophy Final when they lost on penalties after a goal-less draw to Sheppey United, and to the FA Vase Quarter-Finals with the club’s off-the-field matters in the background.

The club admit their squad “doesn’t come cheap,” and has asked their fans to cough up to ensure Lye can keep the players at Homelands Stadium.

“Danny Lye has been building us a very strong squad for the new promotion campaign,” said a club statement, which was posted on the club website.

“Added to the exciting squad of last season are four quality signings in the shape of Rory Hill (signed from Cray Valley), Stuart West, Tom Michealson and Brett Ince (Hollands & Blair).  Also you will be aware a certain Darren Marsden (Sheppey United) has been turning out for the Nuts & Bolts in our pre-season games, with a good chance of Marso signing back up with United.

“As you’ll know, a squad full of talent like we have here at Ashford United doesn’t come cheap, although worth every penny, especially if we have the exciting cup runs we had last season and finally grab that top spot come April next year!”

“Some of our supporters have expressed an interest in forming a fundraising group solely to raise money to help Danny Lye with his playing budget.

“It’s been agreed by club officials that any money raised will be kept in a separate account, independent from the club and only used for players’ wages/expenses.

“Mr Ernie Warren has already started up a new 100 club to raise funds.”

The club invite supporters to attend a meeting this Thursday, 21^st July (19:00) at Sandyacres Sports & Social Centre, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, Kent TN25 4NT.

“The idea of the meeting is to bring supporters together, for anyone with ideas for fundraising to share them, form a committee and discuss any suggestions supporters believe would, or wouldn’t be good for raising money and awareness for our great football club.  We’re sure many of our loyal supporters have some wonderful ideas for fun ways of raising money and helping Danny.

“Whichever role you would like to play, however big or small, be it on the committee, helping out on fundraising days or just to give us your ideas, your time and effort would as always be greatly appreciated.”

Ashford United defeated Ryman League Division One South side Ramsgate 3-0 yesterday morning and they host National League new boys and former Homelands tenants Maidstone United on Tuesday night (7:45pm).

The Stones have defeated Folkestone Invicta (6-1), drew Sevenoaks Town (1-1) and beat Welling United 4-0 in their pre-season campaign.

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