Ashford Town’s immediate playing future may be clouded in uncertainty but for manager Steve Lovell it’s a case of business as usual.

Town are currently banned by the Football Association from playing any matches until they settle a loan deal debt of £2,000 to Ebbsfleet United.

Although joint owner Don Crosbie has pledged that the debt will be paid off before the start of the Ryman League Division 1 South season, the situation is far from ideal for Lovell and his players as they begin pre-season training on Saturday.

But Lovell (pictured) said: "I don’t know what’s happening off the field and I can’t control that side of things. All I can do is prepare the players the best I can."

Ashford’s first pre-season game is scheduled to take place at Folkestone on Tuesday, July 27 and, regardless of whether that game is able to go ahead, Lovell intends to make sure his squad are in prime condition for when the serious stuff starts.

Lovell added: "One of the big problems we had last season was that we kept losing players through illness and injury, so I want to try to get them as fit as possible."

*Ashford are looking for an away friendly on Tuesday, July 20. Any club who are interested and have their own pitch, should e-mail Ashford secretary Elaine Orsbourne at: orsbournes@ntlworld.com

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