Ashford United manager Lloyd Hume faces challenge to sign back-up striker to club captain Gary Lockyer

Lloyd Hume’s bid to bring another striker to Ashford is proving a challenge - because of how good Gary Lockyer is.

Club captain Lockyer is the main man up top for the Nuts & Bolts and that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

He finished with 36 goals last season and needs only three more to become the club’s all-time record scorer.

The 32-year-old is also looking supremely fit, impressing boss Hume in close-season training sessions.

Ashford are in the market for another forward but, so far, those Hume has spoken to aren’t interested in a bit-part role.

“I’m looking for another striking option but it’s quite difficult because I get approached by people about players but we’ve got Gary Lockyer who plays up front for us,” said the manager.

“I’ve watched him out of pre-season, preparing for pre-season, and I don’t think Gary’s looked as fit as he does now in the last three years, and making him club captain I can see he’s got the bit between his teeth.

“So when I’m looking at another centre-forward, I’m not looking to replace Gary Lockyer, I’m looking for a back-up and another option.

“But how do you sign a player who wants to play every week when I’ve got Gary Lockyer?

“Really what I’m looking for is a couple of youngsters that want to come and be part of it and are looking to build their experience with us.

“But right now all those youngsters think they’re going to be playing every week at the highest level they can.

“That’s why I want to sit on my hands a little bit.”

Hume is largely happy with his squad as Ashford close in on the first pre-season training session on June 24.

A number of players, including Lockyer, have been training informally for several weeks, initially in a park near Hume’s house, before moving to