Despite figuring as frequently as anyone else in the pre-season matches, Ashford striker Matt Baxter has decided of his own volition that he is unlikely to make Mark Butler’s starting eleven come the start of the season on 16 August and has decided to leave the club.  Following a successful loan spell with Northwood FC at the end of last season it is thought the striker may well opt to return to the Division One North Club.

Butler was disappointed to learn of the young striker’s decision, stating that Baxter had definitely been in his plans and that no final decisions had been made as far as next week’s starting line-up was concerned.  He thanked the player for his services and confirmed that the door would remain open should he have a change of mind at any time.

Baxter who came through the junior ranks, and who has always been a prolific scorer, broke into the 1^st Team at the start of the last campaign but suffered serious injury that kept him out for much of the season.  When he finally came back, he went on loan to Northwood for a couple of months where he scored some important goals for the North Middlesex club.