Ashford United striker Noah Carney signs two-year contract at Homelands while top scorer Gary Lockyer named club captain after impressing as team skipper

Noah Carney has committed his future to Ashford by signing a two-year contract.

And there’s more good news coming out of Homelands with Gary Lockyer named club captain after a successful spell leading the team on the pitch.

Young forward Carney, 21, has impressed manager Lloyd Hume despite an injury-hit campaign.

He can be a big asset for the Nuts & Bolts as they look to mount an Isthmian South East promotion challenge.

“Noah hasn’t had the best of seasons with injuries but that’s not his fault, they’re impact injuries,” said Hume, whose side end the season at Margate this Saturday (3pm).

“He’s someone we really believe has a future at the club.

“He’s a young player who’s demonstrated, when fit, that he’s an outstanding individual and an outstanding player, so I’m delighted to get that one done.”

Carney had a spell at wing-back earlier in the season but Hume wants the ex-Dover man in his best positions.

“I see him as an attacking forward player that can play as a No.10 or wide on the right up top,” said the manager.

“I don’t want to see him playing full-back, that would be a last resort because we’ve got no one else.”

Lockyer has scored seven goals in three games since agreeing a two-year deal to stay at Ashford.

His haul includes doubles in 3-1 and 5-3 wins over Littlehampton and Hythe on Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively, following a hat-trick against Steyning.

The striker, who has 36 goals this season, was made team captain by Hume in March.

And having proved himself with the armband, the club captaincy has followed.

“Since he’s been captain of the side, I’ve challenged him to perform both on and off the pitch, not only in his own performances but how he deals with situations and other people on the pitch and