Stay-away fans flock back to resurgent Ashford Town

Ashford Town welcome Ryman League Division One North club Tilbury to The Homelands tomorrow - and previous stay-away fans cannot wait for the new season to start, writes Stephen McCartney.

With new owners in charge of the club, a return to the club’s traditional colours of green and white, and former Dover Athletic manager Clive Walker in charge of better players, and ground improvements that make everyone proud, there is a feel-good factor buzzing around the place this summer.

And stay-away fans are flocking back to The Homelands, desperate for the club to enjoy a successful campaign in the Ryman League Division One South this season.

Kingstonian are the visitors for their opening league match in two weeks time, but one fan, cannot wait for Tilbury’s visit tomorrow.

Writing on the fans’ forum at www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk, he wrote: “At last the Town is buzzing again! I am going to my first home game since Crystal Palace stuffed us 10-0 in a pre-season friendly, and Saturday, against Tilbury, can’t come soon enough.

“Up until now apathy has hung over the club and we have had little to smile about, but with Wrighty (Ian Wright) on board and Don Crosbie and co. pulling the strings, things are looking up.”

The club are looking to increase crowds to their matches this season, and the excited fan, added: “As a club we need to get the population backing us and giving us regular support.

“Even if only 10% come back as regulars, then it’s 10% more than we did have this time last year!

“Look at how the town is expanding. We need to give these people an incentive to join us.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be coving the match at The Homelands tomorrow.

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

Ashford Town v Tilbury
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 4^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ