‘YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED’

Andy Found said: “During my 12 years as Ashford United manager and club secretary I saw many players come and go, but very few of them stick in my mind as much as Owain Boughtwood.

“I first noticed Owain in a Kent Youth League fixture when my Ashford side were playing Owain’s Folkestone Invicta side as under-15s. In my opinion Owain was the standout player in that side – he had good pace and a lethal left foot, and was very strong on the ball.

“The quality that stood out for me though was his personality and temperament. Towards the end of that game Owain was the victim of a bad challenge from one of the Ashford lads and had to be carried off with a nasty ankle injury.

“After the game Owain was one of the first to congratulate Ashford on their victory and he and the offender shook hands with no malice shown whatsoever, despite Owain facing a lengthy lay-off.

“Ashford went on to win the league that season but it was obvious that to defend our title as under-16s we would have to strengthen our team and both myself and my assistant Jon Lancaster agreed that Owain would fit in perfectly.

“Luckily Owain had been selected for the Kent side and knew a few of my players, so they chatted him up for me and he signed for Ashford.

“Owain stayed with us until we finished as under-18s and helped us to the runners-up spot in the Kent Youth League two years running.

“He soon became a target for the opposition and after each scything challenge he would get up, brush himself down and carry on.

“Owain was awarded the player of the year trophy after our final season as under-18s.

“I speak on behalf of everyone at Ashford United and all of Owain’s ex-teammates in offering our sincere condolences to Owain’s family and friends at this sad time. RIP Owain, you will be sadly missed.”

Andy Found