Kentish Football 
There's a real feel-good factor around the club, says Ashford United owner Tony Betteridge
The Homelands outfit had a tricky start to the season but they’ve recovered to move into a strong top five position.
Promotion in to the Kent Hurlimann Football League is still not entirely out the question with six games to go but Mr Betteridge isn’t worried about that.
Instead he’s delighted at how the club have shone on and off the pitch under manager Paul Chambers and his coaching team.
Issuing a statement to the club’s website www.ashfordunited.co.uk, Mr Betteridge said: “I’m absolutely delighted, ecstatic, with everything that’s going on at the club.
“There’s a real feel-good factor about the place now and we’re seeing that come to fruition on the pitch.
“The team have been doing well and that’s largely down to Chambo and his management team.
“They’ve got things going for us, building on the excellent foundations laid by Tony Reynolds, and we’re where we want to be.
“We’re back playing football, which we weren’t doing last season, and I’m really optimistic for the future.
“Everything we’re doing is sustainable and the foundations are really solid.
“We’re working within our means and our intention is to make the club a source of pride for the local community.
“There are a lot of local players in the side now and it’s great to see that people are coming out to support them.
“I know there are still six big games to go but I’d like to thank all the fans for their support.
“I think they’d agree that the standard of football they’ve been seeing is good and without them we wouldn’t be where we are now.
“They’re there at home, they’re there when we’re away and they’re always cheering the side on.
“I have a lot of admiration for them as they’re loyal and it’s good to see they have a team they can be proud of.”
Mr Betteridge revealed plans are already in place for next season as the club look to build on what they’ve already established in their seven-month return to football.
He added: “We’re not lacking in ambition but I’m not going to set high targets or anything like that.
“Chambo has got a team together that is shining and it all bodes well for next season.
“We are thinking for the future and hopefully we can get up a division. But, at the end of the day, the club will find its level and that’s the important thing.”
Ashford United are presently in fifth-place in the Kent Invicta League and they welcome Paul Piggott’s Hollands & Blair to Homelands Stadium on Saturday.
The Gillingham-based outfit, who are presently in fourth-place in the table, have a game in hand on Ashford, but both sides have collected 42 points so far this season – eight points behind leaders Bly Spartans.
Ashford United v Hollands & Blair
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 17th March 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd