Ashford United start a new era this weekend as they welcome Egham Town to Homelands in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup under new owners and with Danny Kedwell the new boss.

Kedwell, who last season was coach at Chatham Town as they came so close to the National League has moved down the M20 and is itching to get started.  

“We’re looking forward to the game, and being at home too,” the new boss said.

“It will be good to see the fans as during pre-season you do not get all of them there, and hopefully the ones who have not seen us yet will like what they see and enjoy it, it is a good game for us to have at home! I think it is a boost playing the game before we start in the League at Erith Town next week, it is the FA Cup after all, and fans seem to love the competition so I do think it will give everyone a boost!” 

“And undoubtedly, it is the first time I have ever been involved in the competition this early, it is a bit mad to be involved so early in August but there’s always a first. I think I have experienced everything now in the FA Cup.” 

Reflecting on what has been already, Kedwell went on, “Pre-season has been mixed really. We had a lot of games, more than I expected to be honest, I have been trying to move things round with trialists and young players as well as getting minutes into the main team.

“We had a lot of holidays too, we went to Dartford without a centre back it has been tough getting a team out at times which I do understand at this level, it happens!

“It has helped me understand the players better and it is good that I have had a whole pre-season with them. We have kept six players from last year to build around and this is when you find out about the players, you do find out a lot this time of year as who is a bit of me and who is not. In that sense it has been good.” 

“It really does help now that the takeover is done, and everything has been announced, it has been in the background but despite knowing it was going to happen as I have always dealt with the new owners, and it has been a good experience for me. And having Alan Walker always there has been superb and if I needed anything the owners were on the phone, and it was done.” 

“I am happy with what we are starting with, there’s always someone you could sign during the season who would improve things, but I am happy with my squad at the minute, but we are always looking in certain areas.

“The boys have taken on board the way that I want to play, some have played out of position, but they have been magnificent to be fair! I know that I have a great group who will run through a brick wall and that is what I want!”