Ashford United have lost one of their key players but hope to make a new signing before they return to action on Saturday.

Work commitments have forced Antonio Simeone to quit Homelands just a few months after he joined the club.

Manager Gary Alexander said: “Antonio couldn’t do the travelling.

“If someone’s struggling, I’m never going to hold onto them, it’s not fair.

“He’s moved to a club closer to home, which is a disappointment but it’s life and it’s football at our level, so we move on.

“He’s a good player and he’s had success at good levels but I’m never going to stand in the way of someone who’s struggling to get there.

“Work is their main priority, football second, so if they’re struggling, can they give their all for Ashford United?

“Probably not so it’s only fair to let him move on.

“Is Simeone replaceable? There are plenty of centre-halves out there, so yes.

“He’s got a good job. He’s a teacher and he’s just had a promotion so his hours are going to become longer.

“He has to be more committed to his main job and he was honest.

“He left on good terms, I’ve spoken to him a couple of times since he left and wished him all the best.

“Simmo’s a great lad but his main job is his teaching and he has to prioritise that so there’s nothing we could do about that one.”

Ashford, who didn’t play last weekend, are away to Sevenoaks Town on Saturday.

They’ve gone eight games without a win in all competitions and have dropped to 10th in Bostik South East. Alexander said: “It’s never nice having a weekend off but it’s given us time to put a few seven-day approaches in and hopefully we can pull a couple of them off.

“I’m getting there. I’ve got a few conversations to have once the seven days are up, hopefully we can attract the player.

“Sevenoaks are a good side. They won promotion last year and the start of this season didn’t go to plan but it was only a matter of time before they started winning
games.

“They’ve got some good players on paper, just like we have, so it’ll be a tough game.

“We want to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

“I’m a winner and I want winners around me.

“We’re looking at players to see if they’ve got the right mentality and if we can add one or two more, it might bring us more of that.”