Mark Butler has announced his choice to manage Ashford Town's successful Under-18 side next season.  Football Development Officer Ben Murray will lead the side as they embark on new adventures in the Ryman Youth League next season.  Mr Murray was assistant to outgoing manager Mick Snowden in their last two, title-winning seasons in the Southern Youth League and already has a working relationship with those players eligible for next season.

Ben will be assisted by two coaches - one an internal appointment and a man who is new to the club.  The man from within is Adam Bessent, whom has been involved with the club's junior section for some while and who will be able to gather experience in order to develop his own coaching career.  Being brought in to work alongside these dynamic young men is Mark Green, who was a team-mate of Mark Butler's in Egham Town's successful side of the early 1990s and who brings a wealth of youth coaching experience to the club.

Mark has yet to determine who will take on the Reserve Team Manager's role, but is fairly relaxed about the situation.  He said:  "A number of high-calibre candidates have expressed an interest and I hope to finalise an appointment over the weekend."

Similarly, Mark is not yet ready to announce who will be his new Assistant Manager, observing "there are a couple of names in contention, but I want to take my time to pick the right person".  However, he did confirm that Gary Ross has been offered terms to continue in his coaching role for next season and that Physio Andy Tompkins will take on an expanded role encompassing match days for the new season.

The gaffer also expressed his thanks to departing staff members Mick Snowden, Pat Munns and Glynn Stephens.  He wished Stephens all the best in his new role as Manager at Chessington & Hook, whilst also indicating that Pat Munns might also help out with some goalkeeping coaching on an ad-hoc basis.