Welcome to Through the Turnstile, this series of features are intended to shine the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. This time we are venturing through the turnstile looking at Ashford United.

A brief history of the Club

Ashford United has a rich and varied history marked by highs and lows, transitions, and notable achievements. The club’s story begins with a revival in 2011, when it reformed as Ashford United, resurrecting the name used between 1891 and 1907. Despite the change, the club kept its heritage intact, adopting a crest reminiscent of its predecessor, Ashford Town. This rebirth marked a new chapter for the team, emphasizing its founding year of 1891 alongside the reformation date of 2011.

Initially relegated to ‘step 6’ football in the Kent Invicta League due to FA rules, Ashford United quickly made its mark. Led by former Ashford Town player Paul Chambers, the team overcame a shaky start to finish fifth in their inaugural season. The following year saw them climb to third place in the league, buoyed by an impressive unbeaten run and the prolific scoring of Mo Takalo.

The club’s journey continued with a move to the Southern Counties East Football League, where they faced both on and off-field challenges. Despite ownership changes and disputes, Ashford United remained resilient, achieving notable cup runs and securing promotion to the Kent League. The transition to a synthetic playing surface at ‘The Homelands’ marked a significant development, signaling the club’s commitment to progress.

In the 2016–17 season, Ashford United enjoyed unprecedented success, clinching the SCEFL Premier League title and earning promotion to the Isthmian League South Division. This achievement was accompanied by records in league wins, points, and goal-scoring prowess, epitomized by Shaun Welford’s remarkable goal-scoring feats.

However, the club faced setbacks in subsequent seasons, including managerial changes and financial disputes, amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Ashford United remained resilient, with notable performances on the pitch, albeit without securing promotion.

As the 2022–23 season unfolded, the club experienced both highs and lows, with managerial transitions and fluctuations in form. Off the pitch, developments regarding the Homelands site highlighted the club’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

The 2023–24 season brought its own trials, including delays in pitch relaying and a mid-season managerial change. Despite these obstacles, Ashford United remained competitive, reaching the semi-finals of the Velocity Cup and showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

Throughout its history, Ashford United has demonstrated a commitment to its roots while embracing change and pursuing excellence on and off the pitch. Despite the challenges, the club’s rich heritage and passionate fanbase continue to drive its pursuit of success in the ever-evolving landscape of football.

(Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashford_United_F.C.)

Club legends (as told by fan and founder of Nuts & Bolts Archive – Kenny Sharpe)

Peter McRobert – Played over 800 games for the club spanning 25 years, still comes to watch the games as well. A true gent!

Ernie Warren – Ernie has possibly carried out every off the field role known to exist in non-league football! I believe he was made a director in 1984 and became chairman a few years later. Ernie currently heads up the 200 club as well as selling the matchday programme. I think he has helped out on the turnstiles this past season as well. He still travels to most away games – always wearing his trademark hat!

Kit

2024/2025 Ashford United Home Kit

£45 Replica Kit

The club have gone back to their roots for next seasons kits and from a personal viewpoint, i think the home kit (pictured above) in particular looks very smart and professional. It could well be a iconic kit for the club if the results end up going the way many are hoping/predicting this season.

If i was being totally honest however I do feel the price point at £45 is quite steep, in comparison to other local teams – Ramsgate is £30, Chatham Town £35 and even my boyhood club Gillingham FC (League Two) local to Ashford are selling their shirts for £45.

But – it is a lovely kit!

Stadium info

Homelands Stadium (TN26 1NJ)

Capacity – 3200 (500 💺)

Number of stands – 1

3G Pitch (newly laid)

On-site parking for 250 vehicles (completely free) – currently being expanded to cater to upto 500 vehicles.

Entry Price

Matchday Tickets
Adult – £10
Concessions – £6
Under 18s’s – £1

Season ticket prices
Adult Season Ticket – £155.00
Concession Season Ticket – £93.00
Under 18’s Season Ticket – £18

It is worth noting that – Season tickets also allow access to all 1st team and Ladies home league fixtures

Matchday Programme
£3

(Note – Last season the club won the soccer club swap shop – Isthmian League South East Programme of the Year)

Stadium Shop

The stadium shop stocks all of the merchandise you could ever desire.

As shown below in some of the photos of the stock the club have made a real effort to offer some items that appeal to fans of all ages and also offer some quirky items that others do not, such as the branded flask, bottle opener and umbrella. Why more clubs dont sell branded umbrellas is beyond me, especially in non-league as stands are few and far between for some of the teams in the various leagues!

The overall finish of the clothing items to me is really good, the hoodies and training jackets especially look really professional.

Overall the offering is really high and there is no real reason for anyone taking a trip to Homelands stadium to leave empty handed!I

If you can’t make it to the game or want the goods delivered to you, well then you can just head to the clubs website where you shop to your hearts content! (Soon)

https://ashfordunitedfc.com/coming-soon/

Itssssss pin badge corner and these retro little numbers – all available at the ground!

Price – £3

Drinks

This smart bar area inside the stadium is the hub for all you thirsty drinkers! A very healthy offering of different drinks can be found here. As you can see from the screen a pint of Thatchers, Guinness, Level Head and San Miguel are all priced at £5.50.

If you are searching for a snack you can also head here as the bar sells bags of Crisps, Peanuts and chocolate bars, the perfect little bite to eat to help boost your energy level for the second half!

Also plenty of room to sit down before and after the game with a bunch of screens also on offer for your eyes to choose from!

Food

Just what we love to see a good old fashion burger bar and the best thing is this one is located inside the stadium unlike some other grounds where the best food options are outside. You eagle eyed readers may have spotted a certain item on the menu below, that of BOVRIL! It is certainly one to split a crowd but should you be on the fence of those who love it, well you can treat yourself to a cup of the hot stuff!

Now lets all gather round and see if Ashford United can be the first team to knock another team off of any of the Fab 4 league tables…yes they are, 3 out 4 leagues have now had a team removed from the bottom of the table!

The beer price just creeps into the league table, however the same priced Cider doesnt quite make the cut. The real winner is the price of a cup of tea sealing joint top spot alongside Great Yarmouth and Fisher FC with their £6 burger and chips offering a solid offering. All in all a decent performance and a sign that the league table is going to be a tough one to break into now!

Top Current players (as told by fan Jez Holme)

Tolu Jonah, Gary Lockyer and Mikey Berry

Tolu Jonah – He is just a really nice guy and wholehearted footballer

Gary Lockyer – Has come home after being away playing at a higher level. He only needs 26 goals to become our top scorer (passing Shaun Welford’s 85 goals) and we’re all hopeful he gets those quickly. Can’t see us leaving us again before he hangs up his boots.

Mikey Berry – He is a bit of an unknown having graduated from Charlton academy. Only 18 but his reputation goes before him; if he fulfils his potential we’ll be lucky to keep hold of him for long.

Press Play

The clubs Youtube channel is very active with a mixture of match highlights, kit reveal teasers and player interviews so it is well worth checking in on as there is some really good insight and behind the scenes content for you to enjoy.

Special mention

The new ownership have already started to make improvements to the online offering with a new club website being launched – work is still being done, with more features coming. Overall, it’s cleaner, more professional and much easier to use than its predecessor.

Charlotte Hume email for Sponsorship/advertising & club venue hire enquiries -events@ashforduntitedfc.com

Another upgrade in progress (as mentioned right at the start) is an expansion of the stadium car park to increase the capacity to accommodate up to 500 cars. Incredible stuff and a real insight to the clubs future vision that they are future proofing the stadium for their hopeful rise up the leagues.

And finally the club recently announced a new club ambassador, the one and only Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock. An amazing capture by the club and someone who can help bring more attention and fans through the gate, helping connecting the club with the local community. A real bit of football royalty to the town!

Views from the Staff

Q) How long did you work for Ashford United?

Just over two years. I joined with my son’s U12 team for the start of the 2022/23 season. I done the majority of team admin and ran their Instagram page. December 2022, I started to get a bit more involved with the club, running the youth section of the clubs website. April 2023, the social media vacancy role became available, which I applied for and was successful.

Q) What made you want to work in football, speifically non-league football?

It just happened! The opportunity was there and I went for it. I’ve been involved with grassroots football for just over 4 years and have been a football fan since I can remember. I’m a firm believer of supporting your local club, when and however you can.

Q) What is the thing you are most proud of that you done whilst working here?

Tough one! On a personal level, I think getting our youth goalkeeper sessions established. We offer sessions not just for our own goalkeepers, but also to the wider community.
From a team perspective, I would say that our matchday programme has been a massive highlight and just recently found out that we are up for three awards.Top 40, which includes teams across the Premier League and the football leagues. Non-League programme of the year and Isthmian League South East Programme of the year.

Q) Describe in a sentence what it means to be in the ground on a matchday?

It’s the pinnacle of week, what we all work towards during the week.
(Although you can’t beat a Tuesday night under the lights)

Q) Hardest thing about working in football is….

When things on the field aren’t going well. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I find some of the negativity very harsh and being part of the club, it’s hard at times to not take it personally.

Q) Greatest thing about working in football is…

The people! I’ve had a tough year personally and fans, staff, players have all been fantastic.
Tracey, Ian, Lisa, Alex, Jez, Dave, Paul, Kenny, Brad & Adem. Thank you 💚🤍

Q) Why should more people come to watch non-league football ?

To be pleasantly surprised! You’ll be coming back again and again. Atmosphere, the connection to the players, it’s a cheap day out and you are supporting not just your local team, but club!

From youth to 1st team to the ladies… the support and funds go a long way.

Q) What got you into photography and more specifically in football?

Photography has always been my passion. my mum and dad met through photography and I have got the bug. I’m a professional photographer and specialise in coperate but my love for football and photography makes photographing football very enjoyable.

Q) What is a matchday like for you?

A match day for me often involves racing back from a corporate job to get to the ground for around 2pm. I get all set up pitch side and wait to see what way the teams are shooting. I make sure I’m prepared for all weather conditions. during a game I send pictures live to the Ashford media guy so he can put pictures out during the game. I also send some at half time

Q) How much does a result impact you and the work you have just done during it?

Strangely the result does not always impact the quality of images I produce. Obviously Ashford winning helps and a good goal cele but I have photographed the most boring of 0-0 games but photography wise got lots of decent images.

Q) Best thing about working at Ashford United?

The best thing about working at Ashford is the atmosphere. Since I started there I have become one of the family despite previously having no connection with the club as I live I. Whitstable. Don the owner has been so good to me and my family and I now have so many friends at the club. It’s like a second home

Q) Non-league football is….

Non league is …… family. You can get so much closer to a non league club, the players manger etc. it’s like one big happy family

View from the fans

Q) What makes non-league football and Ashford United so special to you?

Ashford United are my local town team and I have supported them ever since my dad took me to the first game to be played at The Homelands in 1989 (A pre-season friendly versus Charlton Athletic). Non League football to me is proper football played by real people that have a passion for the game.

Q) Describe what an Ashford match day looks like and what it means to you?

Since COVID I have attempted to go to every game, both home and away but sadly have missed a handful of games for various reasons. For home games I usually arrive at the ground around 2:15/30 and get my match day programme – Ashford United produce an excellent printed version for all league games and is highly recommended. Meet up with a handful of other regular supporters I can now call friends rather than fellow supporters, discuss the line-ups and any other gossip surrounding the club or team – there were certainly lots of discussions last season with the news that Don Crosbie was stepping away from his role and selling the club. I usually sit in the stands in the first half and make my way behind the goal in the second half. Post match I head home and update the Nuts and Bolts Archive I created.

Q) Top tip for newcomers to a Ashford game?

Come along and experience non-league football at a decent venue with a great food and drink available. Certainly buy a programme! If you have young children encourage them to come along, the players are brilliant with the younger and are more than happy for a high five or a selfie!

Q) How excited are you by the appointment of Kedwell as the new gaffer?

Kedwell needs no introduction does he, great playing career and success whilst he was with Chatham as the no.2 If he is backed by the board, I think good things are on the horizon

Q) Predictions for 2024/25?

I am going to be cautious here, as I thought we would challenge for the league under Kevin Watson last season but that didn’t work out as planned, I am optimistic for a play-off place but understand things take time to build.

Q) What does your role entail?

I stated filming clips of the games about 2017 to put highlights and goals on the fans fb page to help increase interest in the club and try and get more through the gate. Purely on an amateur basis as ‘ a view from the stand’ but it seems to have worked.

Q) What is the best bit about your job?

I just love the game at this level, totally honest and no VAR!. It’s a cheap day out, great football and fans, and you all meet up in the bar after with the players for a beer and a chat about the game.

Q) What has been your favourite moment to date that you have captured or worked on?

My favourite game as a fan was the 2-2 draw with Fulham in the FA cup in the mid 90s where we almost put a league side out except they were awarded two dodgy penalties in the last 10 minutes to escape with a draw. One of the best games I covered was when we won promotion from the SCEFL beating Rochester 7-0 in the last game of the season breaking several records in scoring most points and scoring most goals in a season, and our no 9 Shaun Welford broke the scoring record with 48 goals in a season scoring a hat trick in the game. The most famous for me was in a game v Cray Valley where we had a penalty which hit the crossbar but we scored the rebound much to keeper Jordan Careys annoyance who set about headbutting the post a few times. We decided to post it …

The best bit of what I do is all of it the whole game experience whether home or away, win or lose. We now do interviews with management, players and fans with fellow fan Jez Holme doing the interviewing and he edits them with the film clips from the game to create a ‘match of the dave’ which we post on the fans and club fb pages and you tube all under the guise of ‘Nuts and Bolts TV’. Again, another area where fans can catch up with all things Ashford United.

Q) Why do you keep coming back?

Been supporting the club since 1971 so a bit of a habit! Nowadays myself and Jez Holme run nuts and bolts TV where I film the games which I have done for the past 6 years as ‘view from the stands’ and then Jez interviews the manager/players after the game and we put a package together entitled ‘match of the dave’ with photos also by club photographer Ian Scammell and that’s all posted on the AUFC fans and club fb pages as well as You Tube. Have a Google on you tube and take a look.

Q) Best player you have seen wear the Ashford shirt?

In the cugley era there were two Mark Stanton and Nicky Dent.

Q) Best away day food?

Best away burgers were at Burgess Hill…..known as Burgers Hill but our burgers are right up there cooked by our lovely tea bar girls Lisa and my sister Ruth.

Q) Is a Ashford United matchday value for money?

Match day is brilliant value for a tenner, not only do you get to see the game, you can watch a Premier league early ko in the bar and after the game meet up with the players in the bar.

Q) Why should people come and give Ashford a go next season?

Ashford United has changed hands and the néw owners have ambitions to get us into the national league and maybe even higher. A town of out size, similar to that of Burnley deserves a team at a much higher level and deserves larger crowds.Hopefully success will bring the crowds back. Our new manager Danny Kedwell is putting a great squad together with a mixture of youth and experience so I have a lot of positivity for the new season.

Q) Non-league football is….

Non league football is a great day out. You can spend £200 plus to go and see a London Premier League game with train fares, food, match tickets etc. Whereas you can see 10 non league games for the same price and get more enjoyment , a safe environment for the kids and you get to mix with the players after the game. What’s not to like?

Q) What does Ashford United mean to you?

I’m just a fan. Go home and away and missed an away game last season. Gets under your skin and care about the team and the players. Got involved in interviews with management and players last year and started a YouTube channel called Nuts and Bolts TV. My wife calls it an obsession but as I say I’m just a fan

Q) Current favourite player?

Deffo Dunney (James Dunne) 34 but brilliant player and superb influence on the brilliant 18 year olds we have who will be learning loads from him

Q) Why should people give a matchday a go over other clubs nearby?

We’re a sleeping giant. I’d say we’ve probably got the best stadium in the league currently and a pitch to match. Good standard of football and huge potential. Reasonable crowds usually and always fun. Just need to invest in the whole match day experience and give the manager a decent player budget and we’re away!

Q) I love non-league football because…

It is great value for money. As a Spurs fan of yesteryear it would cost me £200 plus to go and see them. £10 at Ashford and you go where you like, chat to the players other fans etc and it’s our local team!

Q) Your favourite Ashford United chant?

Nuts and Bolts, Nuts and Bolts. Easy

Q) Your dream summer transfer signing?

At our level Jack Evans. Best non league player I’ve seen. Closely followed by George Nikaj

Q) Why do you come to Ashford United?

I come to watch Ashford United as they are my hometown club, You get a real sense of community there and there is nothing better than getting behind your team, beer in hand, and helping them out by trying to distract the goalkeeper!

Q) Your thoughts on the EFL and Premier League?

The premier league did a lot to get me into football in the first place, without that I would never have come down to homelands as a kid and subsequently not have many of the friends I now do; however I do feel both the premier league and the efl are getting very expensive, not just for television packadges but for fans wanting to see their teams live. I also feel that with other competitions (such as the uefa champions league) coming off free view television it is alienating a lot of fans in poorer households who can’t travel to Manchester or Newcastle or wherever.

Q) Best thing about non-league football?

The best thing about non-league football is the experiences you make and stumble apon. There is nothing better than travelling to an away game on a train with a bunch of your mates chanting “Nuuuts and Boolts” whilst commuters look at you like you’re complete nutters! Or even little things like having conversations with opposition supporters which is something you just don’t get in the football league.

Q) What is a matchday at Ashford like, what makes you come back for more?

Matchdays at Ashford? Well now we’re talking! If you come down to Homelands you’ll be sure to hear lots of banter, enjoy a nice cold beer and a warm burger, with a passionate fan base singing proudly throughout the game. All of that mixed with entertaining football, what could be better, why wouldn’t I want to keep coming back, the staff are friendly, the fans equally so, and that community spirit just takes hold.

Q) Kedwell to lead the Nuts and bolts to promotion…yes or no?

As for Mr Kedwell, we look forward to seeing what he has to offer, we know about the work he’s done as assistant at Chatham Town and we hope he can replicate the success they’ve had. We will just have to wait and see but at first glance this seems like a great appointment and hopefully we’ll be fighting at the top again (where we belong)

Q) Why do you attend Ashford United and not an EFL/Premier league team?

My Dad started taking me to watch Ashford when I was about 8 years old and I’ve been coming every season since then, barely missing a game and I’m 42 now! Grassroots football is real football in my opinion and I believe non league clubs have more of a community spirit and a togetherness.

Q) What does a matchday mean to you?

I always wake up buzzing on match day morning. I can’t commit to anything in the morning as I don’t want to get stuck somewhere and not get back in time for the game which can annoy my wife at times!

Then when I click the turnstiles as I enter the ground I’m greeted by familiar faces as we chat about the previous match or any gossip that’s been going around.

Q) Favourite Ashford United memory?

My favourite Ashford memory would be when we were called Ashford Town. It was 1994 and we reached the 1st round of the FA cup where we were drawn against Fulham in a home tie. We drew 2-2 after leading 2-0 only conceding two dodgy penalties given by referee Andy D’Urso. No Ashford fan will ever forget that name. Then the replay at Craven Cottage where we put an amazing fight in but eventually lost 5-3 after extra time. I will never forget those games.

Q) Favourite chant?

My favourite chant would have to be the simple one “NUTS AND BOLTS” it’s who we are.

Q) Best player you have seen in an Ashford shirt?

There’s been so many great players but I’d have to go for Andy Pearson who was a centre back in the 90s. He was a rock at the back but was also a real threat when we had corners. I couldn’t just pick one so I’d also say Dave Arter. His goal record was something special. Incredible in the air but also capable on the deck.

Q) What is the one thing that makes you keep coming back?

The one thing that keeps me coming back is the love for my club.

Future plans (taken from recent KentOnline Feature)

The new owners of Ashford United have set out their plans to create a sustainable football club for the future.

Lloyd Hume and Dave Warr want to build a club that is self-funded, and has a thriving youth development and academy set-up.

The duo have also targeted two promotions within six seasons for the Isthmian South East League side, with the aim of reaching the National League South. After visiting the club several times and having seen the potential, they decided to take the plunge and buy it.

“Ashford United is a sleeping giant with a big catchment area,” said Hume. “We want to revive its fortunes, but in a sustainable way by building a solid platform, without simply throwing money at it.”

So far, Hume and Warr have invested £2 million in the purchase of the club, as well as the repair and maintenance of the buildings and facilities at the ground and creating more than 500 parking spaces.

“We are doing everything in order of priority,” said Hume. “We want to get the infrastructure right and ensure that the facilities are capable of delivering to a high level for the next 15 to 20 years.”

The owners have also brought in a new management team and playing staff. That includes the experienced pair of manager Danny Kedwell and his assistant Dean Beckwith, as well as director of football and UEFA pro tutor Alan Walker.

“Danny has recruited a whole new team,” said Hume.

“So all that we ask is supporters are patient as it usually takes time for a new side to gel properly.

“Also, Alan will be spearheading our new development centres and soccer schools. He will be going into local schools to promote the club’s youth development programmes and get kids interested in joining.”

Hume said that 50% of any profits made by the club will be ploughed back into its infrastructure, while the other half will go towards the team.

“Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to former owners/chairmen Don Crosbie and Derek Pestridge, who have done a fantastic job of keeping the club going,” said Hume. “But now we have entered a new era where we have ambitions to move this club forward.”

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A special mention to Ian Scammell – Oysterbay Photography, for some of the amazing photos which have been used in this article.

So that brings us to the end yet another ‘Through the Turnstile’. Ashford United are a club who are certainly making changes and are looking to set themselves up for the future. The team has been invested in and the fanbase is certainly there to carry them forwards, promotion this year is currently a little way of, but football is a funny game and the season is a long one. A good run of form is all that is needed to change that and if Ashford do that, well then the workmen will have to get a move on and finish that parking facility upgrade pronto!

Until next time!