Tommy Warrilow is feeling the effects of Ashford’s play-off final disappointment when it comes to strengthening his squad.

The Nuts & Bolts missed out on promotion to the Isthmian Premier after losing 2-0 to Herne Bay at the end of last season.

Defeat consigned them to another year in Isthmian South East and has hindered Warrilow’s attempts to attract players from higher levels.

“Unless you’re going to throw an extortionate amount of money at them, they’re not going to drop down to our level and that’s being brutally honest,” Warrilow said.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few and I’ve not even discussed money with them because it’s about levels, and that’s the most infuriating thing about losing the play-off final.

“It’s bad enough losing the game but I knew what the repercussions would be when it comes to signing players.

“If we were in the Isthmian Premier, we may have twisted their arm but, generally, they don’t want to drop down to our level, unless you’re going to throw an absolute fortune at them, which I don’t think is the right thing to do.

“We’re on a nice little journey at Ashford, the pitch gets taken up at the end of the season, we’re extending the main stand, there’s a stand going up behind the goal, a training pitch.

“I’m trying to get players to buy into that but the bottom line is we’re still playing in the Isthmian South East.

“I know I could get them to come if we were perhaps a level above but I must have missed out on five or six, and that’s why losing the final has hurt more.

“I get on well with all players but I still know it’s a big ask to get them to drop down.

“I’m talking to Conference South players and I fully understand them not wanting to drop.”

Clark Woodcock is the latest addition at Ashford, the attacking midfielder rejoining his hometown club from Faversham.

“When we first came here he was a young lad, unbelievable in training, but we got to a game and things just weren’t right,” recalled Warrilow.

“He’s grown up now, so we’re going to get him in pre-season and if we can get him playing to the potential we know he’s got, then he’s a hell of a player.

“He’s a really good lad as well, a great fit for the changing room, and he’s another Ashford boy.

“I think that’s five we’ve got playing for us now, Gary Lockyer, Luke Burdon, Michael Uwezu, Charlie Dickens and Clark, which is good for the club and the fans.”

Warrilow is set to bide his time before completing his squad, with more players likely to crop up in pre-season.

“I’ve brought in lads who I know will be good additions,” said Warrilow.

“You cast the net early and see what’s out there but there’s still a lot of players who haven’t committed to teams and fresh ones turn up as well.

“We don’t kick off till August 13, obviously you want them in for pre-season, but sometimes halfway through pre-season you get a phone call and things change.

“At the moment I’m happy with what I’ve got, I know I need to add more to it and I’ll do it the right way.”