We will have a reduced playing budget next season due to the lack of income coming into the club, says Ashford United boss Tommy Warrilow

ASHFORD UNITED manager Tommy Warrilow says he will be working with a reduced budget next season.

“We cannot wait for everything to get back to normal and to see you all back at Homelands Stadium in the future, once it’s safe to do so,” Warrilow said in a club statement.

“The majority of clubs at our level will be in the same situation financially following the COVID-19 outbreak and as expected, we will have a reduced playing budget next season due to the lack of income coming into the club.

“Not only did we lose income from the last remaining home matches due to the 2019/2020 season being voided but there’s a lot of lost income from many cancelled functions that were planned to be held in the club’s function rooms from April and that will remain until the club are once again allowed to host such events.

“Don Crosbie has given me a figure to start with and hopefully once we get up and running in 2020/2021 we can improve on that figure as possible sponsorships and other forms of revenue come back into the club.

“I’ve spoken to a handful of the lads about next season and most of those who I have spoken to have already given me their commitment. I’m still waiting to speak to the rest of the squad individually but the ones who have confirmed for 2020/2021 are Sam Mott, Jake McIntyre, Josh Wisson, Tommie Fagg, Jay May and Aaron Condon.”

The club were sitting in second-place in the Isthmian League South East Division at the time of the coronavirus outbreak and all results were declared null and void and records expunged by The Football Association, leaving clubs like Ashford United (who had eight league games remaining) with wasted campaigns.

“It was gutting to have the season finish the way it did,” admitted Warrilow.

“There was still a long way to go and I’m certain there would have been a few bumps along the road for some of the other clubs around us and we were on track to finish positively. The fans were brilliant last year, I hope they can stick with us and we can make it third time lucky!

“With regards to the Ashford United Academy, please continue to apply and register your interest if you meet the criteria. This will still be going ahead but along with all other clubs we’re unable to move forward with it until things go back to normal and we’re allowed to use the facilities and train in big groups, etc.”

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