Kentish Express Ashford & District
Warrilow’s winning way
SEVEN-UP UNITED GO THIRD
Ashford United’s stunning form has got Tommy Warrilow excited about management again.
It was a thankless task for Warrilow at the now defunct Thamesmead Town, who didn’t have their own ground and essentially operated as a shop window for talented local players.
Warrilow was constantly plugging gaps in his squad but now he’s building something substantial.
Ashford’s 7-0 thrashing of Greenwich on Saturday was their ninth win in 11 games and it lifted them to third in Bostik South East.
Warrilow said: “It’s more enjoyable now and that’s not being disrespectful.
“There’s pressure on, which is nice, so it’s a win-win for me.
“It’s nice to get back to talking to players I know I could possibly bring in, looking at trying to get out of leagues and trying to progress the club up through the pyramid which was the main aim when I spoke to (owner) Don Crosbie.
“I’ve always been able to get players in. Sometimes I knew it’d be short-term, to get players fit to move on but here I’m looking to get players in to join the journey.
“We’re looking to get out of this league and the next one –but it’s small steps.
“We’re just over halfway through the season and our aim is to make the play-offs and keep the crowds up.
“If we put seven goals in, hopefully it creates a bit more interest around the town and the gates get bigger.”
Warrilow and assistant Alex O’Brien have certainly hit the ground running at Homelands.
He said: “The players are getting to know me and OB a little bit better now.
“The last few games, I’ve come in at half-time and had a little dig and I think, at full-time, they realise (why).
“The boys are buzzing. If
‘There’s a nice vibe around the place at the moment’
they’re not buzzing now, they’re never going to be!
“To play eight games, only lose one and the way we’re playing as well is great.
“There’s still bits to do but there’s a nice vibe around the place at the moment and I’m hoping to bring another player in this week which will strengthen us even more.
“When we first came in, there weren’t any subs but now we’ve stayed within budget and got players in and made it a stronger squad.
“The bench is going to be really strong after the next week or so.”
Ashford visit Three Bridges on Saturday with Stefan Cox available after suspension. Theo Fairweather-Johnson may be fit while Lea Dawson completes his three-match ban this weekend.