Ashford entice defensive pair away from Hastings

ASHFORD TOWN have tonight completed the signings of Hastings United duo Rhys Whyborne and Jimmy Elford, writes Sam Dixon.

Centre-back Whyborne and full-back Elford become Steve Lovell's first signings of the summer as the Nuts and Bolts look to build a squad capable of pushing forward to promotion next season.

The Welshman has signalled his intent for next season’s promotion push by snapping up two Ryman Premier League defenders.

Elford and Whyborne completed their moves from Hastings United late on Thursday night, to join the Lovell revolution at the Homelands.

Elford 27, was an ever-present at Pilot Field last season, operating mainly as a right-back.

Whyborne is a 21-year-old centre-back who was the Supporters Player of the Season two years ago.

Both drop down a division to join an ambitious Nuts and Bolts and Lovell is, as expected delighted with the double capture.

“I have worked with both of these lads before and I know what they can do,” the former Hastings and Sittingbourne boss told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“Elford is a very good defender, who likes to talk and is good on the ball. He’s an honest lad as well and he will offer a lot to this football club.

“Whyborne is a big, strong centre-back who was very highly rated down at Hastings so I’m delighted to have signed him.

“I had him as a youngster at Gillingham so I know what he can do. Combine these two with the likes of Sean Ray, Lee Hockey and Danny Lye we have got a solid backline.”

With speculation rife about new arrivals at Homelands, Lovell says everyone is working hard to get the right players in.

He said: “We are trying to get hold of a very good centre-forward at the moment but there is interest in him from conference sides, so we just have to wait and see but I am confident we can get him in.”

Even if Lovell is successful in bringing in his main targets, the gaffer is still looking forward to giving the reserves a chance during pre-season.

He said: “There is a lot of talent in that side and they will be given the opportunity to show what they can do as they attempt to make the step-up to the first-team just like James Humphreys has done.”

Along with the new signings Lovell is delighted that the majority of the first team have penned new deals.

“Everyone who was heavily involved at the back-end of last season have signed up which is great, we are just waiting to hear back from Daniel Brathwaite and Nick Humphreys now.

“Brathers has to consider his options because he travels a long way to get here and has a young family so you have to understand that. Humps simply just wants to have think about it which is also totally fine by me,” added the Welshman.

Article courtesy of www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk