Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow says play-off final defeat is hampering chances of landing players from higher levels

Tommy Warrilow is feeling the effects of Ashford’s play-off final disappointment when it comes to strengthening his squad.

The Nuts & Bolts missed out on promotion to the Isthmian Premier after losing 2-0 to Herne Bay at the end of last season.

Defeat consigned them to another year in Isthmian South East and has hindered Warrilow’s attempts to attract players from higher levels.

“Unless you’re going to throw an extortionate amount of money at them, they’re not going to drop down to our level and that’s being brutally honest,” Warrilow said.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few and I’ve not even discussed money with them because it’s about levels, and that’s the most infuriating thing about losing the play-off final.

“It’s bad enough losing the game but I knew what the repercussions would be when it comes to signing players.

“If we were in the Isthmian Premier, we may have twisted their arm but, generally, they don’t want to drop down to our level, unless you’re going to throw an absolute fortune at them, which I don’t think is the right thing to do.

“We’re on a nice little journey at Ashford, the pitch gets taken up at the end of the season, we’re extending the main stand, there’s a stand going up behind the goal, a training pitch.

“I’m trying to get players to buy into that but the bottom line is we’re still playing in the Isthmian South East.

“I know I could get them to come if we were perhaps a level above but I must have missed out on five or six, and that’s why losing the final has hurt more.

“I get on well with all players but I still know it’s a big ask to get them to drop down.

“I’m talking to Conference South players and I fully understand them not wanting to drop.”

Clark Woodcock is the latest addition at Ashford, the