Ashford Town will not play football this season

Steve Lovell took over as Ashford manager in 2007.

Ashford Town have confirmed they will not play football this season following their resignation from the Ryman League last month.

Director Tony Betteridge said in a statement: "Simply, there is too much to do and far too little time."

Betteridge said he was now in control of the club after a long-running dispute with co-owner Don Crosbie.

Manager Steve Lovell told BBC Radio Kent: "I'm surprised and disappointed. I never believed this would happen."

He added: "I knew the problems at the football club, and you prepare yourself for the worst, but it's still a huge blow to me, the players and the supporters."

Betteridge continued: "I guarantee that the club will be playing football next season and hopefully in the Kent League."

Lovell said he would now be looking for a new post.

"I don't know what I'll do. It's been 34 years since I've started the season without a club as player or manager. I don't want to be out shopping, but clubs are already sorted for personnel at this time."

In July, Ashford were banned from football at any level over unpaid loan fees to Ebbsfleet United.

They then entered administration under Chairman Don Crosbie, who said the move "saved the club from extinction".