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The Rash cover Sham 69 for Ashford United FC theme song

10:00, 10 August 2017

A football club has enlisted the help of punk rockers to help give its players a pre-match boost before kick off.

Supporters from Ashford United Football Club posted on Facebook about finding new theme music for the players to walk out to for home games at the Homelands Stadium.

The post was seen by Ashford band The Rash, who immediately volunteered their services to record a tune to get pulses racing.

The Rash have recorded a cover of the Sham 69 hit. Courtesy of Matman Photography
The Rash have recorded a cover of the Sham 69 hit. Courtesy of Matman Photography

Scroll down for the video recording

The five-member group, who have been playing for the past 10 years, are set to support Madness at the County Showground. They are a part-time group who play a mix of punk, ska and indie songs and covers.

Band member Joe Smith said: “We are all big supporters of Ashford United, and play football and music, so it sounded like a great thing to be involved with.

“We are doing a cover of Sham 69s If the Kids are United, but will be changing the lyrics for Ashford. We have recorded it afresh and put our own touches to it.”

The Rash in action at the Star Inn in Ashford
The Rash in action at the Star Inn in Ashford

Mr Smith admitted that the group wanted to avoid some of the pitfalls of previous footy anthems, such as the John Barnes rap in World in Motion by New Order.

He said the first time they will perform it live will be on Saturday, but will unfortunately miss Nuts & Bolts’ first home game of the season against Carshalton Athletic at Homelands.

Ashford United's media officer Alex Perseval said he hopes the excitement from the song will give the players a boost on the field following last year's success.

Ashford United in action against Canterbury at Homelands last season.
Ashford United in action against Canterbury at Homelands last season.

He said: "As a club, we're really thankful to the supporters and local community for everything they do to support and promote us in between match days.

"Having a song specifically for the club, recorded by a popular local band, which will be listened to by local fans is ideal, and a brilliant way for all of us as a community to come together.

"It was organised supporter by Sam Shannon on the United We Stand group on Facebook. Without him it wouldn't have happened, so we are really appreciative of the work he has done."

Video: The Rash have shared a clip online

Mr Shannon said: "I put a post out on the page asking if there was any local artists who would like to get involved and we had a fantastic response from acts of many different genres.

"The Rash are well known in Ashford as well as being an established band in general with thousands of followers. They get big crowds going to see them and are supporting Madness.

Ashford United supporter Sam Shannon made the appeal for a theme song
Ashford United supporter Sam Shannon made the appeal for a theme song

"But more importantly they are proper Ashfordians & massive Ashford United fans like us."

Ashford United's first home game is on Saturday, August 12 at the Homelands Stadium against Carshalton Athletic. Kick off is at 3pm.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

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