Ashford United will dip into the loan market at the start of the season if there are still gaps in their squad.

It’s been a challenging summer for boss Tommy Warrilow, who’s seen targets turn him down for various reasons.

But with a good core group in place, he won’t be rushed into doing deals he feels aren’t right for the club.

Several of last season’s Nuts & Bolts squad, meanwhile, still haven’t confirm their plans for 2019/20.

Warrilow said: “Some of the boys are thinking about things and that’s down to them but I am talking to a couple of players and if they agree, the deals are gone.

“It’s always a challenge but after doing it for so long now, it doesn’t concern me any more because I know some players will be flapping and looking for clubs.

“Some players will sign a deal but they’ll go to a club, they won’t be happy and they’re going to have to sit it out.

“It’s normally a good month or six weeks before you start to see a bit of fallout from clubs.

“If I have to, I’ll go into the loan market. I’ve got enough mates and managers that might want to give someone a month’s worth of football.

“It might be a dual-reg, but there’s loads of avenues to explore.

“I’m not going to start panic-buying and flapping because I am speaking to some good players at the moment.”

It’s horses for courses and Warrilow knows any players he brings in have to be suitable for Step 4 football.

“We’ve got to remember we’re trying to get out of Bostik South East,” he said.

“We’re not trying to get out of Conference South so we’ve got to be realistic in what type of names we’re going for.

“I know loads of players are available but they’re not going to come and play for Ashford!

“That’s the frustrating part, hearing all these players are available but it doesn’t matter, that’s what it is.

“I’m managing Ashford, we’re at the level we are and we’re trying to get out of it.

“It’s a progressive club and that’s what I’m trying to sell to people.

“We want to get out (of this league) as quick as we can but unfortunately we fell at the final hurdle last year.

“There’s no reason why we can’t go again this year and double bounce next year.

“But you’ve got to get over what’s been put in front of you and at the moment, it’s Bostik South East.

“I’ve had three or four players that have just said no because of levels, which we can’t do anything about.

“I’ve had two say about the artificial pitch, and I can’t do anything about that.

“In our league last year, there were loads or artificial pitches and most clubs train on it anyway but you have to respect their decision.”

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