Ashford United forward Ian Draycott knows he made the right move | Frontman says he’ll keep playing for as long as his body allows

Ian Draycott’s decision to join Ashford United is working out nicely for the experienced forward.

Draycott, 35, had a big call to make after the curtain came down on nine years at Folkestone.

He departed Cheriton Road last summer as Invicta’s all-time record scorer with 150 goals in 361 appearances.

The next move had to be right.

“It was a big decision,” said Draycott, who added to Vance Bola’s opener as Ashford came from a goal to win 2-1 at Chichester in Isthmian South East on Saturday.

“There were quite a lot of discussions over the summer trying to find that right club for me at this point in my career.

“I was looking for somewhere that fits from a personal side of things and my life outside football but at the same time gives me an opportunity to win something or have some more success.

“I wanted to find a family-orientated club that I could hopefully settle in at over the next couple of years and potentially finish my career there.

“Ashford ticked the most boxes and I’m really happy with the decision in terms of being a big change from Folkestone.

“Any club would have been a big change from Folkestone - it’s quite a unique set-up there - and it’s taken a bit of time to find my feet but I’m really enjoying it and hopefully over the last month that’s replicated on the pitch with how well we’re doing.”

Draycott has thrived as one of three No.10s in manager Kevin Watson’s system.

It’s a new way of working for the ex-Maidstone and Lewes man but one he’s enjoying.

He intends to keep playing for a good while yet and, taking the opportunity to learn from Watson, would like to move into coaching and management one day.

“I’ll carry on playing as long as my body will let me,” said Draycott.

“I love non-league and everything