Ashford was my first non-league club and I want it to be my last, says striker Adrian Stone

ASHFORD UNITED striker Adrian Stone says he was persuaded to put his retirement plans on hold for at least another 12 months.

The 34-year-old was planning to hang up the boots on a glittering non-league career but with the club winning the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division title and the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy last season - and the persuasion skills of manager Danny Lye -  Stone will remain at Homelands next season.


ONE MORE YEAR: Ashford United striker Adrian Stone
(left) revealed that last season was going to be his
last but he was talked out of retirement by his
manager Danny Lye (right).
Photo: Ashford United FC

“To be honest, that was going to be my last season,” revealed Stone.

“Finishing as League champions and Cup winners would have been a great way to go out but the gaffer called me and told me he wanted me to be part of his plans for next season.

“The players he’s got coming in and the one’s staying, I think we will do really well and I want to be a part of another great season.”

The Nuts & Bolts will be one of 11 Kent clubs in the Isthmian League Division One South next season.

“Ashford was my first non-league club and I want it to be my last,” added Stone.

“Last season was so exciting! Normally you’ve got one or two club’s running away with it but last season there were three and it went all the way to the last game.  You don’t get much better than that!

“The fans were great to me from the moment I got there and played a part in the club’s successful season.

“I can’t wait to get started. Most of the players have played in the Ryman and above so we know what to expect.”

Last season Bromley-based Stone played for Sevenoaks Town, Crowborough Athletic (4 goals) and scored 11 goals in 25 appearances for Ashford United.

Manager Danny Lye told www.ashfordunitedfc.com: “I am very pleased that Stoney has re-signed for the new season as he brings a wealth of experience and is a proven scorer in the (Isthmian) South.

“Stoney was thinking about retiring at the end of the season but I have managed to persuade him to go for another year.”

Stone faces a fight for the jersey along with Shaun Welford, 38, as Lye has brought in six foot two pacy striker Tyrell Richardson-Brown from new League rivals Burgess Hill Town.

“I am delighted to sign Tyrell, he is the type of forward we needed, strong, quick and direct.  He has pace to burn and a good work rate chasing lost causes down,” said Lye.

“Tyrell scored 20 odd goals last year so we are expecting a good return from him.  Tyrell can also play as a wide man so gives us plenty of options.

Central midfielder Jason Goodchild has also committed his future to stay with the club, after the former Phoenix Sports man scored six goals in 24 appearances for the double-winners last term.

Lye added: “I am pleased to confirm that Goods has agreed to stay with us next season. He changed us last year when we got him in. He gives us so much energy in the middle of the park and he pops up with the odd goal.”

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