Ashford United interim manager Craig Stone getting on with the task of becoming Lloyd Hume’s permanent successor at Homelands

Craig Stone says he’s ready for the challenge of managing Ashford United after enjoying a winning start.

The Nuts & Bolts beat Beckenham 3-1 in Stone’s first game in charge at the weekend.

He’s officially interim manager, following co-owner Lloyd Hume’s decision to stand down, but the club have made it clear they want it to become a permanent arrangement.

“I’m enjoying it,” said Stone, who was No.2 to Hume.

“It’s a good football club, with really good people involved.

“Management is something I’ve always wanted to go into and I feel the time is right.

“I’m ready to do it, I’ve wanted to do it and I’m ready to give everything it needs.

“I’m really happy and I’m looking forward to seeing how it progresses.

“Me and Lloyd have had lengthy conversations and what he’s said to me is I don’t envisage having another manager, it’s going to be you, crack on with the task ahead, and that’s what I’m doing.

“Whether you’re interim or named as manager, ultimately it’s about results, so all the while you’re picking up results and doing well, you don’t have to look over your shoulder.

“That’s the intention, winning games, and whether it’s classed as interim, caretaker or manager, it doesn’t matter to me, it’s just about winning games and getting the group successful and believing in themselves and kicking on.”

The Beckenham game - which Ashford won courtesy of Sam Hasler, Barry Fuller and an own goal, while keeper Harry Brooks saved a penalty - was Stone’s first official game.

But he’d effectively taken the team the previous week, overseeing a change of shape in Hume’s final match, as 10-man Ashford drew 1-1 with Sheppey.

He’ll do things his way - with the full backing of the co-owners Hume and Dave Warr.

“There’s been a slight change in