Ashford Cavaliers FC
Meet The Players
Duncan Garrett (Chairman)
Dunc was part of our First team squad and has been a regular at Cavaliers for over 12 years. Mainly in midfield, Dunc can also adapt to a job in defence. He does the type of job on the pitch that never receives accolade – although when he’s not there you certainly notice it. Dunc is also the only survivor form the original Cavaliers first team, managed by John Stringer, and recently became Club Chairman
Dale Stringer (Manager)
An ex-cavalier player himself, he clocked up 11 seasons as a player before moving away from Ashford. Now in his second spell as a manager after holding the reins with brother Mark, a few years back. Dale has brought organisation and discipline to a potentially useful crop of players. He is looking to re-build the club and improve the squad season by season.
Kevin Friend (Club Captain)
Kevin has played local mens football for nearly 30 years and joined Cavaliers 10 years ago. He began as a forward with a very impressive strike rate and worked his way back towards defence as he aged! Moving into his twilight years, Kev joined our Reserve squad as skipper where his knowledge was priceless. His desire ought to serve as an example to younger players.
Adrian Brunger (Vice Captain)
Adie was involved with our Reserve set up for a while, on and off. A promising defender, he now hopes to feature more often after moving back to Ashford. A fine season last time out, this coming one should be massive for him. Now promoted to Vice-Captain there will be a greater expectation of him on the field.
Tommy Taylor
Real name Paul, Tommo kept goal for our First team and looks set to remain with the club after the shake up. Apart from a short break away, Tommo has been our first choice keeper since joining in the late nineties. In terms of ability and consistency, he is, in our opinion, one of Ashford’s top performing goal keepers and we have been very lucky to have him.
Matt Gomez
Known for his pace and strength, Matt began senior football with our Reserves 10 years ago as a forward. He stepped up to the first team, often utilised as a wide player, until a string of injuries restricted his appearances. Matt dropped back down for a while but a further injury will sideline him again.
Michael Perry
Perry has been with Cavaliers more than 6 years now – and was actually instrumental in laying the foundations for our Third team! As a result of his efforts we were able to keep hold of several good players who now occupy our squad. Perry is a very talented lad who is comfortable in virtually any position and we expect to see him in Claret & Blue for many years.
Stuart Reakes
Stu was part of our Reserve squad and has been with us 4 years. A natural forward and a superb eye for goal, Stu also possesses an intelligent football brain. It is hoped other parts of his game improve a little so we can comfortably look to him to lead our attack.
Chris Barker
Chris joined us 3 years ago and formed part of the midfield in our Reserve team. He has a good brain and vision and can be very instrumental when linking defence with attack. His understanding of the game allows him to drop in to central defence when the need arises as well. He’s another one of those players who do the jobs that don’t always get noticed.
Simon Farrell
Simon returned to Cavaliers in the summer of ’08 and joined our Reserve squad. He’s a talented lad, offering a serious threat from wide. He may need to work on his ‘end product’ tho – he gets past players easily but must ensure such a talent causes problems! Other clubs will notice him as we climb divisions!
Jo Wilcox
Jo recently returned to Cavaliers after a spell away and was part of the Reserve squad. A natural left back with a no nonsense approach, Jo also has good stamina and often times his interceptions to perfection. A little lack of concentration every now and then being his only downfall. On his day, his place in the side is unchallenged.
Reece Cahalane
Reece joined our Reserve squad in August ’08, coming from a local youth side. Reece will hope to feature in a wide midfield role. He is learning very quickly and shows real potential. A future central midfield role is not beyond his reach if he continues to listen and learn from the older heads around him.
Doug Robson
Doug arrived at Cavaliers in 2006 and was part of our Reserve squad. He is a forward with an impressive strike rate. Doug has appeared in other positions to help the squad out, but frankly his desire to be more attack minded is always evident. His ability is not in question, but he can sometimes allow his frustration get the better of him.
Tim Bourne
An older head among our Reserve squad, Tim has been with Cavaliers since 2006. He offers his steady approach in the defensive area as well as a calming influence at times. Tim has a wonderful attitude towards the game and is more than happy to offer support within the club. Personally we feel there is definite potential for a managers role, although Tim would possibly disagree!
Mark Stringer
Brother of manager Dale, Mark returned to Cavaliers in August ’08. A former first team regular under the leadership of his father John, Mark’s experience and club connections will prove a valuable asset. Mark performed well as part of the defensive options within the Reserve squad.
Michael Cook
Cookie has been with Cavaliers since 2005 and was with our Reserve squad. Cookie is a sensible lad who shows great passion and desire. Michael has wonderful ability in front of goal and is intelligent enough to read the game. Yet he has settled down as a central defender, again, displaying a fine knowledge of the game. A frustrating string of injuries for Cookie has had an impact on our consistency.
Gavin Baker
Gavin missed several games last season, normally through work demands. He arrived with our Reserve squad in the summer of 2007 and offers his services within the defence. Gavin can be vocal and supportive of his team mates. He has shown definite signs of improvement over the recent summer and also stepped up to the Club Committee in the recent shake up.
Joe Jolley
A 16 year-old who we believe has the potential to become a great goalkeeper. Prepared to listen and learn. We feel could become a great number one keeper for Cavaliers in future years, made a couple of appearances last season and has looked confident and assured. Played very well in training.
Chris Perry
Another 16 year-old who many believe will go on to become a better footballer than brother Michael so he has a lot to live up to. Shows promise, tough in the tackle and confident on the ball . Has time on his side to improve even more. We feel he must decide on his best position to push for a starting place.
Mark Fuller
Yet another ex-Cavalier to return, played under John Stringer....many years ago. A reliable defender who likes to get the ball down and play football, who will add more experience to our crop of younger defenders.
Spencer Stoke-Hart
A new signing from the disbanded Ruckinge side. Spencer has played at a higher level in the Maidstone and various other local leagues. A bustling forward with quick feet, who will hopefully score the easy chances that we are sometimes guilty of missing.
Aarron Hills
Signed for season 09/10. a solid defender who will always give 100%, looks comfortable on the ball. He has been impressive in pre-season, will offer competition for places in defence. Shows potential when going forward and could be a danger from set-pieces.
James Edwards
A player we thought we got hold of last year, unfortunitely injury meant he only made a brief appearance. A no nonsense tough tackling mid-fielder who possesses a secret weapon. Will be pushing for a starting midfield slot.
