New Ashford United boss Kevin Watson has made his first summer signings.

Defenders Harvey Brand and Jonah Tolulope have arrived from Beckenham and VCD respectively.

And they’ve been joined by left-back Tom Carlse from Ramsgate and defensive midfielder Connor Dymond, who worked with Watson at Herne Bay and Cray Valley.

Brand was part of the Becks side who reached the Isthmian South East play-offs.

Watson said: “Harvey was an integral part of Beckenham’s success last season, making the most league appearances out of their squad.

“We’ve monitored Harvey for a number of seasons are delighted to now be working with him.

“He is versatile and can perform in a number of positions, which is a great attribute to have.”

VCD may have been relegated but Watson saw something he liked in Tolulope.

He said: “We watched Tolu on three separate occasions last season and were impressed each time.

“Whilst experienced, Tolu is a player we feel we can improve further and add real impact this season.”

Carlse is well known to Ashford fans from his first spell at Homelands.

Watson said: “Tom’s aspirations, high standards and mannerisms are traits which align with our own.

“He has won this league previously and brings experience, which will strengthen the group.”

Dymond can also play at the back, and it’s perhaps no surprise to see him link up with Watson again.

“He is a natural winner and adds great strength to the team we’re assembling,” said Watson.

Ashford, meanwhile, have retained the services of a number of players.

Goalkeepers Jacob Russell and Connor Towens are on board, along with defenders Bradley Simms, Tariq Ossai and Charlie Dickens.

Midfielder Rhyle Ovenden and forward Johan ter Horst have also agreed to be part of Watson’s squad as the Nuts & Bolts target a promotion push.

Russell enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Homelands after arriving from Ramsgate, while youngster Towens will provide back-up.

“We were fully aware of Jacob’s reputation,” said Watson.

“Upon meeting with Jacob, we were impressed by his desire for personal improvement and look forward to helping him achieve this.”

Watson described Ossai as an “undisputed talent” but revealed he may miss the start of the season through injury.

The new manager said Simms was a player he’d admired for some time, praising his “ability, winning mentality and infectious character”, while local lad Dickens “is a player we feel we can develop further”.

Ovenden missed 14 months with a cruciate ligament knee injury before making his comeback in March.

The former Wales youth international proved his fitness and has been rewarded with a new deal.

Watson said: “We are excited to be working with Rhyle.

“He is keen for the 2023/24 season to be a big one for him personally and we will provide this opportunity.”

Ter Horst is approaching three years with Ashford after joining from Folkestone, where he was a prolific goalscorer.

The former Hull City man, 28, has had his injury problems but can still be a major asset for the Nuts & Bolts.

“From a distance, we watched Johan’s career develop,” said Watson.

“We understand the frustration he has felt when hindered through injury but believe he can get back to his best.”

Ashford have announced the following pre-season friendlies: July 4 Whitstable (a); July 8 Chatham (a); July 15 Kennington (h); July 22 Lordswood (a); August 1 Bowers & Pitsea (h); August 5 Folkestone (h).

Ashford United Ladies have completed the double.

They won 3-1 at Eastbourne United on Sunday to clinch the London & South East Division 1 South crown and promotion to the Premier Division.

Jodie Cain opened the scoring and Becky Wyatt made it two before Lucy Green saved an Eastbourne penalty.

Wyatt’s second gave Ashford breathing space before the hosts’ free-kick consolation.

The title win adds to United’s League Cup triumph last month.