Things have to change for the better - insists Ashford Town chairman

Tuesday 27th April 2010

ASHFORD TOWN chairman Don Crosbie says the club will enjoy a much better campaign next season - having just escaped the drop on the final day of this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

A 2-1 home win over Chatham Town maintained the club’s Ryman League status at the weekend, condemning Walton Casuals and Eastbourne Town to relegation and Mr Crosbie wrote in his programme notes that he wants to wake up the Sleeping Giant.

"It has been difficult for everyone involved with the club," wrote Mr Crosbie.

"Off the pitch I have had well documented problems with my business partner, Tony Betteridge. Gladly we are nearly at a stage when these problems can be resolved and we can finally look forward to a bright future.

"We knew this season would be one of consolidation, which has certainly been the case. We have had to sort out past problems and get on a solid footing, fortunately this has now happened.

"On the pitch we have struggled but now we have to look forward as this is a great football club.

"The tight knit fans at this football club deserve much better than that and to be playing our football in the Kent League would (have been) a disaster.

"We should be a team pushing for promotion, not battling for survival and it is something that will need to be addressed before next season.

"My position at this football club remains the same, and my ambitions remain the same too. I think Ashford is a sleeping giant, there is so much potential around the town and the football club should be at the heart of that so I remain dedicated to bringing success to Homelands.

"Recently the performances on the pitch haven’t been anywhere near the standards they should be at so we have to take a strong look at this over the summer.

Relegation was a possibility, especially as Steve Lovell’s side had to play 21 fixtures in the last 12 weeks of the season, due to the number of postponements due to the bad weather.

"In all honesty it’s been very hard - not just for me but for everyone,” said Mr Crosbie.

“I try to take a backseat from the football side of things and watch the game as a fan and, like every fan, I enjoy winning football matches and seeing good football; unfortunately we haven’t seen enough of either of these this season.

"I have been bitterly disappointed with some of the performances - none more so than the Whitstable match where it was sad to see that they wanted it more than us.

"Our budget has been competitive for this league but we have had teams that just play for expenses come and beat us because they have had more desire.

"This shows that perhaps it’s not always about money, because money can’t buy you passion and spirit, unfortunately that hasn’t been there at times this season.”

Mr Crosbie will sit down with Lovell within two weeks to discuss the future.

The chairman said: "I don’t believe in knee-jerk reactions but all I can see is that it has been a frustrating season. I have always said that Steve is one of the best non-league managers around with the budgets that he has had to work with. I stand by this opinion.

"Sadly he may have been affected by other boardroom issues which haven’t helped, but still we can’t escape from the fact that it has been a poor season.

"Everyone knows that clubs at this level don’t make any money, especially without something like the sports village so it has been tough.

"However, I have become very fond of this football club - there are some wonderful fans here that are very loyal and I want to reward them for their support.

"Hopefully next season, after all the restructuring is complete, we can have a bit of fun and enjoy some success that the fans deserve.

"Things certainly have to change for the better - that is essential.

"I will be sitting down with Steve, over the next couple of weeks, to discuss on the field issues and my lawyers are taking care of matters off the pitch.

"Once we establish all of these matters then we can look positively to next season.

"I want to go full steam ahead with plans for the Sports Village and build a side that pushes for promotion - this has to be our major goal.

"Things will change for the better. I owe you a better season next time around. We will fight on and I am certain next season will be more enjoyable and successful for everyone."

"I will sit down and look at things and will release a statement within the next couple of weeks.”

Maidstone United have another two years left on their three-year deal to groundshare Homelands Stadium, and Mr Crosbie said: “No-one likes to see smaller clubs struggle and you have to feel sorry for the fans who support them through thick and thin.

"With Maidstone it is tough as they don’t have a ground. We are in a stronger position than 90% of non-league clubs because we own our own ground. We offered help when they needed it but it hasn’t really worked out.

"The weather certainly hasn’t helped as a great strain was put on everyone when all those games were postponed. Contrary to many beliefs the pitch actually has a superb drainage system and the terrible weather hit every club in the country - unfortunately we had so many teams playing on it so we struggled.

"We have made it now though and the pitch is looking great.

"Maidstone were hit as fewer supporters were coming through the gates, but I don’t really wish to comment on finances and I’m sure they will honour their contract and I wish them well for the future - whether it be at Homelands or elsewhere.

"Regarding their future I have offered the opinion that they should be looking to play nearer their own town and I believe they are looking into it.”

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