Legend Lee McRobert returns to Ashford

ASHFORD UNITED are expecting to receive official notification from The Football Association whether they will be accepted into the Safety Net Associates Kent League or the new League set-up at Step Six, the Kent Invicta League, on Friday, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Kent League ran with sixteen club’s last season, but champions Hythe Town have been promoted to the Ryman League Division One South and Sporting Bengal United are expected to switch to the Essex Senior League.

Ashford United manager Tony Reynolds, meanwhile, is holding trials for players aged 18 and over on Saturday (21 May) at 10:30am at Sandyacres Sports & Social Centre, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, Kent TN25 4NT.

All interested parties should contact Tony Reynolds on 07891 067 343 to register their interest.

The club are pleased to announce that their under 18 team will be managed by Ashford Town Legend Lee McRobert next season.

Lee has attained his level 2 coaching award and brings with him a wealth of Football League experience that will benefit the lads in the under 18 squad for the coming season.

Lee was born in Bromley in 1972 and he started his senior playing career with Ashford Town before moving to Sittingbourne for a club record fee of £20,000.

In the mid 90’s Lee moved to Millwall for £35,000, where he scored on his League debut against Charlton Athletic.

Spells followed with Hastings United, Dover Athletic and Folkestone Invicta before returning to Ashford, scoring 105 goals for the club.

A club statement added, “Lee will be aided by assistant manger Gary Penfold Senior and both are looking forward to the challenge in producing top class under 18s for the Ashford United senior team.”

Club officials have confirmed the managing director of Homelands Enterprises, Paul Bowden-Brown – the former chairman of Maidstone United - was admitted to hospital last Wednesday evening after becoming seriously ill at home.

“He was allowed home on Saturday but again fell ill on Sunday,” said Peter Young, posting on the club’s fans’ forum on www.ashfordunited.co.uk.

“He is to see a consultant and needs to undergo a serious operation as soon as possible.

“Paul’s partner, Christine would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone that has sent get well messages and apologises for not having the time to reply, but as you can all understand this must be a very stressful time for Christine and the rest of Paul’s family and they have now requested that they be left alone at this worrying time.  I hope you all understand the family’s request.

“All the staff at Homelands Enterprises wish Paul a speedy recovery and our best wishes go to Christine and the family.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk would also like to wish Paul a speedy recovery -and hope the club are placed in the Safety Net Associates Kent League next season - we've missed you!

Visit Ashford United’s website: www.ashfordunited.co.uk