Although Jamie Lawrence enjoyed a distinguished playing career, playing over 270 Premier & Football League matches and 24 caps for his country, this was not what led the club to select him over the other candidates.  He also has extensive experience of the Ryman League, having played for Worthing, Harrow Borough and Margate.  The selection panel were further impressed by his plans to put the emphasis on youth, which follows in the club's best traditions.  The panel also felt that his extensive contacts would help him to develop the club.

Additionally, Jamie runs his own soccer academy, at which current Ashford players Ricardo Joseph and Byron Harrison have trained, as has Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison.

He has indicated that he is not planning major changes to the coaching staff at the club and takes charge immediately, starting with tonight's training session before leading the side for the first time against his former club - Harrow Borough - on Saturday.