Ashford loving life at United
Sam Ashford has told how he loves life at Ayr United so much, he’s decided to buy a house north of the border.
The English striker has extended his stay at Somerset Park, signing a two year agreement until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Now he’s determined to put down roots in Ayrshire after becoming an immediate hit on the terracing.
Ashford, who scored just seven minutes into his United debut in January, told the Post:“I absolutely love it here.
“When I came up the road initially, it was a big gamble for me in terms of moving away from the south east.
“But I found the club to be so welcoming – everything from the staff to the supporters to the group of boys in the dressing room. It made settling in very easy and I’d like to think I’ve done okay in these last few months...but I know I’ve got more to give moving forward.”
By quirk of fate, Ashford’s best mate from childhood lives just three miles from Somerset Park after also moving north for entirely different reasons.
He smiled:“My pal Jack is now in Prestwick living with his girlfriend Clare. They met when we were out on a lads’holiday in Tenerife a few years ago.
“He’s since come up here to live with her so we both couldn’t believe it when the move to Ayr came about.
“It’s funny how things work out and he’s been along to watch me a few times and helped me settle in. This is a lovely part of the world and I didn’t hesitate to sign the longer deal.
“The manager [Lee Bullen] has been a huge factor for me...it’s the first time I’ve had a manager who really believes in me.”
Ashford, 26, who came through the youth ranks at Tottenham, is one of a number of players to commit their futures at Somerset with the club doing early business.
And he said:“It’s a good sign. You know a club is serious when they get things done early and it shows how organised we want to be for next season.
“I want to add more goals to my game and I think the fans have only seen me at 60 per cent so far.”
•Aaron Muirhead has knocked back Ayr’s new contract offer to join Partick while Jack Baird has signed for Morton.