Ashford United manager Lloyd Hume on Barry Fuller’s future after defender named on bench for Dorking Wanderers’ National League South play-off eliminator at Boreham Wood

Manager Lloyd Hume is confident veteran defender Barry Fuller will be an Ashford player next season.

Fuller spent the second half of the campaign on loan at his hometown club from National League South side Dorking.

He was back on the bench for Wanderers in their 4-3 play-off eliminator defeat at Boreham Wood on Tuesday night but is expected to complete a permanent move to Homelands this summer.

The former Gillingham right-back remains a class performer at the age of 40 and has also been part of Hume’s coaching team.

“Barry’s still a Dorking player but we’ve agreed in principle with him to sign for us,” said Hume.

“I’m always going to wish Barry all the best, he’s such a good lad, but I genuinely hope he’s an Ashford player again next year and I’m sure he will be.

“He wants to be here but he’s got a real allegiance with Marc White (Dorking boss) and rightly so.

“They’ve got a really good relationship.

“Marc’s a great bloke and Barry’s a legend for me.

“I want him to do what’s best for Barry Fuller but, selfishly, I want him to be playing for Ashford.

“He’s like Action Man. His fitness levels are unbelievable.”

The other 40-something in Ashford’s squad, Matt Bodkin, is also set to stay on.

Bodkin, 41, will remain registered as a player while stepping up his responsibilities as a fitness coach.

“Bods has agreed to stay on,” said Hume.

“He’s going to do more of our fitness and strength work next year but he’ll still be a squad member. I still think Bods can do 15, 20, 30 minutes in any game at this level, he’s a great lad.”

Everyone has been invited back for pre-season which starts earlier than usual on June 24, with the first friendly at home to Maidstone on July 5.

All “bar one or two” are on board, with the likes of Kane