Ashford United owner and joint-chairman Don Crosbie has announced he is looking to sell the club.

Mr Crosbie has been in charge of Ashford United for nearly two decades but says he has taken the club “as far as I can” and has “neither the necessary finance or health to take the club to where it can definitely rise”.

A statement from Ashford United said; “Over nearly two decades Don Crosbie has been custodian of Ashford United Football Club.

“Through both tough times and good he is proud to have seen the club have great successes and grow from one team to over twenty-eight regular Ashford United teams.

“Homelands has become a massive community facility catering for more than 1500 users per week. These include girls' and ladies’ teams, boys' and men's teams, and also our 180 vets who give much enjoyment playing their leagues on a Sunday evening.

“Over the previous few years, despite setbacks from would-be fraudsters and of course the pandemic, the club has gained planning permission for new and upgraded state-of-the-art facilities, commercial enabling and a new 3G all-weather pitch which has now been installed.

“Don is preparing for retirement next year, at the young age of 70, and is looking to sell the club to someone with the youth, enthusiasm, energy and financial backing that can continue to strive for football excellence, support the loyal community of supporters and players and fulfil the expansion plans.

“AUFC is actively seeking a new custodian to purchase the dynamic business and excited for its next chapter. The AUFC community will be kept up to date with the transition.”

The Isthmian South East club had spent the opening weeks of the current season playing their home matches away from Homelands while a new 3G pitch was laid at their home ground.

They currently sit seventh in the table with 16 points in nine games under new boss Kevin Watson, who was appointed in the summer after the departure of Tommy Warrilow.

Mr Crosbie said: “I have taken the club as far as I can and despite the tough challenges on the way have succeeded in putting the club in a much stronger and financially sound position than when I first purchased the club.

“The club boasts a rare factor in so much as AUFC own the 14.5-acre freehold and does not have a secondary landlord to stifle growth or expansion.

“The facility I have created is a sound platform for AUFC to progress but sadly after installing the second artificial pitch I have neither the necessary finance or health to take the club to where it can definitely rise.

“Hence the time has come to hand over the reins to someone that can continue the ambitions of this great club.”

Ashford are at home to Sheppey in Isthmian South East on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.