Luke Eldridge is back at Ashford United – and caretaker-boss Jason Whitmore is delighted.

The youngster earned a senior contract following an impressive pre-season 12 months ago but wasn’t involved this time having apparently become disenchanted with a lack of opportunities.

Whitmore was the man who took Eldridge to Homelands from Dover and his appointment as head of the new management team in the wake of Danny Lye’s departure, triggered a phone call from Eldridge wanting to return.

He started for the first time in the 0-0 draw at Sittingbourne on Monday, as United gained their first point in four Bostik South starts.

Whitmore said: “Luke fell out of love with football, after getting frustrated having to sit on the bench.

“Boys can became despondent and get bored, walk away or go and sign for another team.

“When Luke heard what had happened at the club, he rang me up asking if he could come back.

“Luke made great progress last season but he was always fighting for a midfield place with the likes of Ben Davisson, Micky Phillips and Dave Botterill in front of him.”

“He played at right-back against Sittingbourne and was outstanding, gave us a lot of energy and is a quick ball player. I like people like that at the back, because they can control the game from there.”

The FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Horsham on Saturday (3pm) is being played at Lancing Football Club, while Horsham await the building of a new stadium after being granted planning permission earlier this year.