End of the Road for AFC Ashford Athletic
Kent County League Division 2 Central and East side AFC Ashford Athletic have today announced that they will be withdrawing from their position in the League.
CLUB STATEMENT
It is with regret that the club has to announce that last night I approached the Kent County League to start the withdrawal process of our Men’s First team from the League.
This decision was not taken lightly as I spent most of yesterday in talks with people who’s advice I trust and this was the only option that we really had left. I had to make a decision with my head and not with my heart.
It is a sad day for the club as former Chairman Stuart Kingsnorth had kept the club afloat for many successful years but financially it was running at a loss and has been for some time.
As a club we will continue serving the fantastic group of youngsters we have and continuing to help them progress on their football journeys.
This is not the end, merely a new beginning.
Jon Wright
Chairman
This came the day after former Chairman and Manager Stuart Kingsnorth stepped down from his position at the club.
On the official Club Website this statement from the former boss clarified the situation around him stepping away.
“Good Morning Everyone, I have some very important news for you all. I have taken the very difficult decision to step down from my role as Chairman of the Club & 1st Team Manager and I will be leaving with immediate effect.
As I am sure you can all understand this decision has been far from an easy one and it has taken me quite some time to make. There are several factors which have brought me to this moment, but in short, I no longer feel the club is what I set out to build back in 2007.
Over the last 6 months we have all been let down by Managers, Coaches and Players who have had their own agendas which has shown a distinct lack of respect and trust placed in them. I no longer recognise my club…… I have had many a sleepless night wrestling with this decision, however I do not feel I am able to take the club or the team any further in its current state. It genuinely breaks my heart to walk away from this club and I will always feel a sense of not completing what I set out to do. Those of you who know me well, will know just how much of me I have put in to this club and everything it means to me.
Over the course of the summer I was made several offers to move, but my attachment was too great. I never believed for one moment I would fail, I was wrong and for that I am sorry. Over the last 10 years this club has been my home, my church and my family. When I was down, the club lifted me, and it gave me purpose. Ashford Athletic runs in my blood and to leave is like cutting off a limb. I have so many amazing memories and they will stay with me forever. The last few years have been the most special, I’ve been lucky to work with some great coaches, superbly talented players and overall a great group of lads. Our cup final win at the Gallagher Stadium will always be something I look on as a pinnacle moment for the club and it will certainly be one of my fondest memories!
Finally, I want to thank every Player, Coach, Girlfriend, Wife, Supporter, Family Member, Sponsor, League Official and Referee that has in some way been involved with the club. Without your dedication, time, support and encouragement none of what we achieved would have been possible. I thank you.
I now move on to take up a new challenge and I leave the Club in the hands of my good friend Jon Wright, Jon will have some of his own very tough decisions to make in the coming days and he will need plenty of patience and support during this time.”
The side are currently second from bottom in the League and next up for them is due to be a League game at home to Punjab United on Saturday.
For more from AFC Ashford Athletic please visit their site here
