Co-owner Lloyd Hume isn’t a fan of the new Isthmian League play-off format - even though it could benefit Ashford United. There will be two extra spots up for grabs next season, with six teams qualifying for the end-of-season play-offs. It’s a system the National League have followed for some time, whereby teams finishing second and third automatically qualify for a home semi-final, while fourth plays seventh and fifth meets sixth in eliminator ties. Ashford finished ninth in Isthmian South East last season and while there’s no pressure on manager Craig Stone to get promoted in his first full season in charge, the extended format potentially boosts their chances of reaching Step 3. Hume, however, isn’t convinced it’s a great idea. “People keep saying to me, how do you think Ashford will do this year?” said Hume. “If we stay injury-free, I genuinely believe we’ll be contending for the play-offs, comfortably. “But if Craig’s unlucky with injuries and we have crucial injuries to crucial players at the wrong time, it’s a lottery. “There is no pressure on Craig, there’s no pressure on him in any way.
Ashford United co-owner Lloyd Hume questions fairness of expanded Isthmian League play-offs
