Keds better prepared

Manager Danny Kedwell won’t be making wholesale changes at Ashford United - having learned lessons from a tough introduction to management.

Kedwell started from scratch while manager at Cray Wanderers three years ago and putting together a new team wasn’t easy.

He left midway through the season there and eventually ended up at Chatham, where he enjoyed a successful two-and-ahalf years as player-assistant manager - gaining more valuable knowhow. Armed with that experience, he’s been keen to give himself a ready-made base to work from, which meant keeping hold of many who have played for the Nuts & Bolts already.

He said: “I learned my lesson when I was at Cray. I took the job without one player, I had to recruit a whole squad. I didn’t get the time to build on that, it was a tough job but a good learning curve, I learned a lot from that.

“It was a rush then - such a rush - just to get a squad out to play.

“I have got time now and I am not panicking. I have kept the ones that I want to keep and we can build around them. They know the club, they’ve been there, they are good players as well - otherwise I wouldn’t be keeping them.”

Kedwell is clear on the type of players he needs but knows he might have to be patient.

“Straight away I knew who I wanted,” he said. “I’ve had targets who I think can play the way I play. That is the main thing, to get the players to fit your philosophy.

“I have got my plans, my backups. If I can’t get my target I have another back-up who is similiar. It is easier when you’re not rushing.

“You aren’t going to get everyone you want but it’s a bit of a waiting game this time of year because the season’s only just finished. People want to have a break and think about stuff and speak to other clubs.

“I have talked to the existing players to get them done. It is not nice to sign players before speaking to them.”

Kedwell will be assisted in the management role by Dean Beckwith, who also heads to Homelands from Chatham.

“I have known Dean for many years and his wealth of knowledge and stability will greatly benefit Ashford United,” he added.

“He is not only a great motivator but also an all-around nice guy. I am absolutely delighted to have Dean on board. He’s a fantastic addition to our team, and we can’t wait to get to work.”

The Nuts & Bolts have started to put their pre-season schedule together but have plenty of free dates remaining.

They’ve got home games lined up against Erith & Belvedere on Saturday, July 6, Bromley under-23s on Tuesday, July 9, Glebe on Thursday, July 11 and Folkestone on Saturday, July 13.

Kedwell will take Ashford to one of his former clubs in Hollands & Blair on Tuesday, July 16 and they visit Isthmian Premier Dover on Saturday, August 3.

Joanna Clark and Pascal Bouchat were victorious as Wye Tennis Club held their first round-robin American tournament this year under clear blue skies on Sunday. The event sees each lady play eight matches across the tournament - but each one with a new partner.