By Luke Cawdell

The chief executive of the Kent County Football Association, Keith Masters, has described Ashford Town’s demise as a "tragedy and a travesty" for football in the county.

He said: "It’s a tragedy for Kent football. Hopefully some good can come out of this and something can be resurrected at the lovely facility they have there.

"I remember the days at the Essella Park and the problems Doug Gillard (former chairman) and Alan Lancaster (former secretary) had in relocating to Homelands.

"They eventually succeeded but would be turning in their graves at this. It’s an absolute tragedy and travesty for Kent to lose the club. It’s a very sad day."

Mr Masters said Ashford would start from the bottom if they return.

He said: "The days of a club liquidating in the morning and re-forming as a new club in the same day at the same level are over. They would have to do what Maidstone did, which was to start again from the bottom."