Ashford United FC owner Don Crosbie looking to sell the club having taken it “as far as I can”

Ashford United owner and joint-chairman Don Crosbie has announced he is looking to sell the club.

Mr Crosbie has been in charge of Ashford United for nearly two decades but says he has taken the club “as far as I can” and has “neither the necessary finance or health to take the club to where it can definitely rise”.

A statement from Ashford United said; “Over nearly two decades Don Crosbie has been custodian of Ashford United Football Club.

“Through both tough times and good he is proud to have seen the club have great successes and grow from one team to over twenty-eight regular Ashford United teams.

“Homelands has become a massive community facility catering for more than 1500 users per week. These include girls' and ladies’ teams, boys' and men's teams, and also our 180 vets who give much enjoyment playing their leagues on a Sunday evening.

“Over the previous few years, despite setbacks from would-be fraudsters and of course the pandemic, the club has gained planning permission for new and upgraded state-of-the-art facilities, commercial enabling and a new 3G all-weather pitch which has now been installed.

“Don is preparing for retirement next year, at the young age of 70, and is looking to sell the club to someone with the youth, enthusiasm, energy and financial backing that can continue to strive for football excellence, support the loyal community of supporters and players and fulfil the expansion plans.

“AUFC is actively seeking a new custodian to purchase the dynamic business and excited for its next chapter. The AUFC community will be kept up to date with the transition.”

The Isthmian South East club had spent the opening weeks of the current season playing their home matches away from Homelands while a new 3G