GAV'S GOT HIS YELLAS IN SYNCH

GAVIN SMITH says he wants to keep together the Ascot United side that made the play-offs after succeeding Jamie Tompkins as manager.

- Matthew Nash

The 2023 FA Vase winners parted company with Wembley winner Tompkins last month after reaching the Isthmian South Central play-off semi-finals, where they lost to Hanworth Villa.

And now they are under the charge of former Badshot Lea boss Smith, who has taken the hotseat after leaving the Baggies following relegation to the Combined Counties League.

“We've wanted to keep nine of the boys who had such a good season and had such a good time over the past two or three years,” Smith, who this week signed Fleet Town striker Dean Rule, told The NLP.

“My staff Dan Bailey and Vic Ocansey have come with me so we've managed to keep the team together from that point of view and here there’s a hardcore of players, although I understand people are always tempted by offers elsewhere.