Ashford United manager Lloyd Hume excited by new signing Jeremy Santos’ potential as former Charlton youngster makes impressive start

Ashford boss Lloyd Hume is looking forward to seeing more of new signing Jeremy Santos.

Midfielder Santos, who started his career at Charlton, has joined the Nuts & Bolts from Folkestone.

The 22-year-old made his Isthmian South East debut as a substitute in a 2-1 win at Sevenoaks on Wednesday last week.

He featured again from the bench on Saturday as United were beaten 4-2 at home by second-placed AFC Whyteleafe.

Santos had a couple of loan spells at Tonbridge before signing a permanent deal at Longmead in the summer of 2024 following his release by Charlton.

He followed former Angels boss Jay Saunders to Folkestone but is now an Ashford player.

“He’s come in with a really good attitude, he’s a really positive individual,” said Hume, speaking before Tuesday’s 4-1 Velocity Cup defeat at Ramsgate, a match Santos started as part of a much-changed line-up.

“Both games he’s come on, he’s done really well, and he’s someone I’m looking forward to seeing develop under us and getting more game time and being part of what we do.”

Goalkeeper Harry Brooks has also made a bright start with Ashford.

He’s joined from Sheppey and counts Whitstable, Herne Bay, Chatham and Sittingbourne among his old clubs.

“In his first two games, he’s done a really good job,” said Hume. “It’s his shirt to give away at the moment.”

Ashford, who remain a point from safety, trailed high-flying Whyteleafe 3-0 inside 24 minutes last weekend.

Skipper Gary Lockyer scored twice in the second half, including a brilliant late strike, as the Nuts & Bolts dug in against a side who were too good on the day.

“I can be disappointed, I can be angry, or I can be accepting of the fact if they play well, which they did, and they’re at their best, which they were, you