Gary Alexander will take over as Ashford United boss at the end of the season.

Alexander joined the club as assistant manager to Jason Whitmore last week but he's set to assume control of first-team affairs in the summer.

The 38-year-old made a couple of appearances for Chatham Town after quitting as Greenwich Borough manager but a phone call from Whitmore opened the door for a quick return to the dugout.

Alexander said: "I had a chat with Jason and liked what I heard with the ambition and things like that.

"Jason was open in terms of where he stands at the club, his role and what he wants to do going forward.

"Jason wants to go upstairs to structure the club in a certain way, make the club better. He wants to give me the reins and hopefully, come the end of the season, he's true to his word.

"I'll take over, bring my assistant in and work closely with Jason because he's a big part of Ashford United and what they want to do.

"I wanted to get back into management as soon as possible and Jason's given me that opportunity. He'll get every minute of my time to change the fortunes of Ashford."

Alexander has effectively swapped jobs with Paul Barnes, who was appointed Greenwich's new manager on Wednesday.

Whitmore said: "With Barnesy gone, that’s a loss, but I think Gary brings the complete package, someone who’s proven and has already done it.

"I was looking for the right person that could allow me to step upstairs and carry on what I’m doing. I won’t be gone, I’ll be heavily involved and when it comes to decisions about players, we’ll do it together but I don’t need to be in the dugout.

"That doesn't bother me, it's not about that. For me, it's about Ashford United Football Club.

"What can we do to take it to the next level? If that means I put Gary there and I step back and help from behind the scenes, to make sure the club is sustainable, so be it."

Read more from Gary Alexander in the Kentish Express on Thursday.