Ashford United pull off double transfer coup

Friday 21st February 2014

ASHFORD UNITED have pulled off a major double transfer coup by bringing in two key players from Hythe Town.

Hythe Town skipper, Dave Cook, who has scored 12 goals for Scott Porter’s side this season, and defender Pat Kingwell have put pen to paper for the Southern Counties East Football League club after leaving the Ryman League Division One South club after Ashford submitted successful seven-day approaches for the pair.

Ashford United are top of the table with 42 points from 15 games and Paul Chambers has added to his squad because they must play another seventeen league games – plus at least one cup game - in a grueling 64 day period.

“The club have been actively looking for strength to be added to the squad with the knowledge that forthcoming suspensions and injuries could jeopardise the push for supremacy in the Southern Counties East Football League,” said a club statement, posted on the club website.

“On Tuesday night’s showing (during the 4-1 win at Deal Town) the addition of Kingwell and Cook has blended into the mix easily and with the desired effect.

“We feel that on our performance there will be only a few teams that will be able to live with this new blend and for sure there is more to come as the talking process is continuous in the push to win this league with a team that will more than likely be able to give a good account of itself in the Ryman South.

“The club are very ambitious to strive forward and as spectators let us enjoy the ride along the way.

“We are still evident of keeping well within the available budget and with the additional plans for the furtherment of the stadium as the catalyst to bring more prosperity of the club, things are well on track for the future.”

Meanwhile, Margate have unveiled the signing of journeyman striker Jefferson Louis, 34.

He arrives from their Ryman Premier League rivals Hendon, where he scored 22 league goals for the north London club this season.

Margate boss Terry Brown has sent defender Richard Avery on loan to Conference South side Chelmsford City for a month.