Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow in talks with 'eight or nine' players

Tommy Warrilow will continue to “shake the tree” as he bids to take Ashford one step further next season.

Warrilow has agreed deals for two more signings since defender Ryan Sawyer’s arrival from Corinthian last week.

Forward Michael Uwezu, 31, a player who started out at Arsenal, joins the Isthmian South East play-off finalists from Burgess Hill, while midfielder Alex Brown, 29, moves from Hythe.

Warrilow, who has seen Tommie Fagg depart for National South football at Tonbridge, is in talks with a number of targets.

He’s also awaiting answers from current Nuts & Bolts players Bradley Simms, Mamadou Diallo, Frannie Collin, Dan Hull and Luke Burdon on their futures.

“I’m shaking the tree to see what’s about,” said the Ashford manager.

“I’m talking to eight or nine players, some who play in the same position, and if one says yes that’ll be it, I won’t overload certain areas.

“I’m not putting people’s arms up behind their back but after a few calls I’d expect a decision.

“It used to be you could get things sorted sooner but these days players seem to have the monopoly.

“If I was still playing I’d say rightly so, because you have to do what’s right for your career.

“At the same time it’s frustrating from our point of view because unless you throw a worldie deal at them, people are going to play devil’s advocate and see what’s about.

“I’m not seeing a lot of movement at any clubs but it’s important not to panic because a lot of things can change between now and pre-season. Some players might become available again.

“The plus we’ve got is we’ve been knocking on the door for the last two full seasons we’ve had and hopefully it’ll be third time lucky and we can go up next year.

“It’ll be a tough year with the sides coming into