Ashford boss Danny Kedwell hopes to get at least a season out of a player who seems destined for big things.

Teenage midfielder Mikey Berry will officially link up with the Nuts & Bolts after his Charlton deal runs out on June 30.

Kedwell is a big fan of the 18-year-old, who started in Arsenal’s academy before signing for the Addicks aged 14.

He played with Kedwell’s son, Harvey, at Charlton, helping them to the Professional Development League 2 South title last season.

“I don’t think it’ll be too long before people are looking at him,” said Kedwell.

“Hopefully I can get at least a season out of him but I’m not sure he’ll be here too long.

“We’d never stand in a young lad’s way. It’s down to him.

“Sometimes, leaving a club when you’ve been there a long time, people obviously know about him.

“If he starts flying for us, before you know it, they’re knocking on the door.

“That’s how easy it can be but hopefully he does a season at least.”

Berry is gaining experience of men’s football in Sweden before joining Ashford for pre-season.

Kedwell gives him every chance of being a regular in Isthmian South East.

“He’s got a bit of everything,” said the Nuts & Bolts boss.

“I wanted to get a bit of youth into the team.

“He can do something out of nothing and you need players like that.

“You might be struggling in a game and he could come up with something special - that’s what he’s got in his locker.

“I know his dad really well so Mikey’s someone I’ve known since he was a kid and I’ve followed his career since he was at Arsenal’s academy.

“That helped get him over the line.

“He’s got to adapt to men’s football but he’s got the quality to do that. He’s got everything for it.

“He’s still got to grow into a man’s body but he’s a strong boy, he can get around the pitch and he’s got bundles of quality.

“I think there were loads of clubs after him because when someone comes out of Charlton, people think they can snap up a little gem.

“I don’t know my team until pre-season is done but he could come in and absolutely smash it and he’s going to be starting. The same goes for everyone.”

Kedwell has secured the services of a new goalkeeper, with the signing set to be announced next week.

Before that, Ashford start pre-season training on Saturday with what’s expected to be a light opening session.

“It’s pretty much a meet-and-greet and we’ll get their legs going a bit,” said Kedwell. “It won’t be too much.

“It’s more just to get everyone meeting up and there’ll be a bit of a presentation to them about what’s expected and what we’re going to be doing.

“That’s a big side of it nowadays. It never used to be. You used to come in and go straight out and train.

“Nowadays it’s different formations and all that.

“You don’t really hear of 4-4-2 any more, do you?”