Mark Butler declared himself delighted to back into the swing of things after Ashford Town completed their first pre-season training session.  The Tangerines boss said that the evening had been a “lot of fun” whilst also providing a tough workout for his charges.

Butler added that while some of his squad were still on holiday, there were also “eight to ten new faces” who would be given further opportunities during more intense sessions to impress. Those more demanding training routines will begin on Saturday and later the group would be trimmed to reflect those players who were firmly in his plans.  Although it was the initial session, the boss remarked that Ricky Wellard and Warren Harris “looked particularly lean”.

Speaking to the Official Website about this week’s FA Competition draws, Mark was upbeat.  On the FA Cup tie away at one of three long-distance opponents, Mark said:  “It’s a minor disappointment that we’ve been drawn away.  But it’s also a great opportunity for us to go somewhere we’ve never been before and I hope the whole club gets behind it, travels with us and helps us to get the result.”

The FA Trophy draw was greeted with enthusiasm by the gaffer, who admitted:  “Ware away [at the same stage of the competition] was the low point of last season for me, so I’d like to have another crack at them.”