League Two side Crawley Town have announced the signing of Sam Ashford from non-league side Hemel Hempstead Town.
Crawley Town Sign Non-League Talent Sam Ashford
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The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster was with the London side from the age of eight until his teenage years.
Since then, the 24-year-old winger has played football in non-league, featuring for the likes of Heybridge Swifts and Witham Town before signing for Hemel Hempstead.
During his time with the Tudors, Ashford scored 15 times in 31 starts.
The one-time Spurs teen has also played for the England C team – a squad full of non-professional players – in the Falkland Islands.
Technical Director Erdem Konyar said: “Sam scored ten goals last season. We believe with his hard work and dedication he can be a productive player for us.”
Head Coach John Yems added: “Sam has impressed this season with his goal tally and he possesses attributes that could be helpful within the squad next year.”
The tricky forward joins Crawley on a free transfer after his contract ended with the non-league side.
After the announcement of his move, Ashford tweeted: “Season & contract ended. Thanks to supporters @hemelfc for being behind me all season. And teammates/management for helping me be a better player/winger. 15 goals/31 starts. 9 league & 2 cup finals left might have hit 20 goal target & think we’d have made play offs. Next season
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Season & contract ended. Thanks to supporters @hemelfc for being behind me all season. And teammates/management for helping me be a better player/winger. 15 goals/31 starts. 9 league & 2 cup finals left might have hit 20 goal target & think we’d have made play offs. Next season🙏 pic.twitter.com/TCMvkJL9kV
— Sam Ashford (@Ashford_Sam) May 4, 2020
What to Expect From Ashford
In his tweet, Sam Ashford included a video highlights reel of his goals so far this season.
The tricky forward appears to show a relatively quick turn of pace, allowing him to easily break away from chasing defenders.
He also displays composure when one-on-one with the goalkeeper or when darting towards goal with defenders approaching from behind.
In the video, Ashford appears to have a strong preference to use his left foot but is versatile, often deployed as a central forward or winger.
He also shows an array of finishing abilities, proving a clever finisher of the ball from close-range and outside the box – the video also showed an excellent left-footed freekick.
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