Following a number of telephone conversations and conference calls, Canderton has decided to step down from his position immediately.

Bailey told https://www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com: “Russell has confirmed that he would like to stay at the club and will join our Board of Directors. This is fantastic news, and wholly welcomed by everyone involved with the running of the club. Russell has been with us for many years and played over 650 games many as captain. After Paul Burgess, he has played more matches for Ashford than anyone else in the club’s history!

“After a very difficult summer Russell has done a fantastic job re-building the team pretty much from scratch after 90% of the team decided to leave. Along with Steve Honey, Liam Balmer, and Adam Frailing he has engendered a fantastic spirit within the squad that in the end saw us pulling clear from any prospect of relegation. 

“Huge thanks to Russell for this and all of his hard work and commitment throughout the season. It is important that we also thank the players who stuck by to support Russell and his coaching team throughout this transition period. We hope that these players once again decide to stay and support the new management team, which will be announced in the coming days.

“Another huge thank you must also be extended to Liam Balmer and Steve Honey who has played a huge part, not only in assisting Russell but also making sure that we have one of the best surfaces to play on and a pitch to be proud of. We are lucky to have these lads and proud that they will remain Ashford club men for the foreseeable future”.