Ashford United manager Craig Stone had the perfect sounding board to discuss the signing of winger Michael Ademiluyi

Ashford United manager Craig Stone sounded out his old boss over the signing of Michael Ademiluyi.

Winger Ademiluyi was part of the Cray Valley side who won Isthmian South East under Steve McKimm two years ago.

Stone also played for McKimm at Tonbridge, winning promotion to National League South via a super play-off success at Met Police in 2019, and the pair remain friends.

So, who better to speak to about Ademiluyi?

“I spoke to Steve McKimm at length about Michael because he had him at Cray Valley and I fully trust what he says,” said Stone, who described Ademiluyi as “lightning-quick”.

“He couldn’t speak highly enough of him.

“I felt we needed someone that would make us stronger with some out-and-out pace in a wide area, and Michael fits the bill.

“I speak to Macca quite a lot. He’s someone I class as a friend.

“I know he builds good squads and he’s won this league, so he knows what's needed, and I played in a really good squad under him.

“We weren’t full of the best players necessarily but we ended up getting promoted in the super play-off because of the kind of squad and personnel he put together.

“So, when I’m looking at building a squad for the season, and I’m thinking about the likes of Michael, it’s good to speak to Macca, someone who’s had him for a few years.

“You don’t play for Macca for that long if you’re not the right character, and I said that to Michael, which he was pleased to hear.

“Macca said one of the things about him is he’s such a great human being, so that helps alongside what I already know about his football ability.

“You take bits and pieces from your old managers, especially how they manage people.

“That’s so important at this level, and that’s a lot of what I spoke to Macca about, because I