By Joe Harbert

Ashford United defender Jerald Aboagye has hailed the strides made at the club since his arrival last season.

The Nuts & Bolts right-back believes the direction United have been heading is immensely positive after joining the team from Folkestone Invicta in October.

“I’ve been at the club nearly a year now since I was brought in by Gary Alexander last autumn, and it’s clear the club’s gone forward,” he said.

“This season alone we’ve had a very, very positive start which has meant we’re obviously unbeaten in the league – something I think we can win too.

“I wasn’t here at the start of last season but I know for a period we were fighting around relegation, so fast-forward to now and it’s clear we’re going in the right direction.”

The 27-year-old, who works as a teacher when he’s not on the field, has been a key component of the side’s progression up the table.

Closing in on a year at Homelands, he says the arrival of manager Tommy Warrilow has been key in some of the changes to have taken place at Kingsnorth Road.

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Aboagye added: “I only worked with Gary Alexander briefly, so most of my time has been spent with Tommy, and what he’s done since he’s moved here I’ve really liked, so I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.

“His record clearly speaks for itself – we were mid-table when he arrived here, and since then there’s been a lot of changes.

“I think with the players he’s brought in we can go one better than last year’s play-off final because of what we’ve now got in this dressing room.”

With his pace and strength, United’s flying No.2 has started all of the team’s league and FA Cup fixtures this term.

He says his own performances have also improved since he started playing in the Isthmian South East, and that they rival anyone in the division.

“Driving with the ball and raising the intensity of the game are what I’m best at.

“I reckon once I get into my stride, there’s not many people in the league that can live with me on my day.

“Things like linking up with play well, getting good crosses into the box, and helping the team in possession are some of my other strengths as well.

“I’m just always looking to move the team forward up the pitch.”

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