Ashford Town’s warring directors Don Crosbie and Tony Betteridge head to court on Thursday in what could be judgement day for the club’s existence.

Mr Crosbie has petitioned for the club to go into administration but faces stern opposition from Mr Betteridge, who holds an equal 50 per cent share, in the Royal Courts of Justice.

If Mr Crosbie’s wishes are granted, then the club could be in a position to begin preparations for a new season in the Kent League.

Mr Betteridge is contesting the administration petition and feels the best way forward for the club is to start again and he has already filed for a winding-up order.

There are separate arguments about who owns the freehold of the 14-acre Homelands venue.

Mr Crosbie said: "I just want the interests of the club looked after.

"It’s been a nightmare for me and my family over the last 18 months.

"It’s made me unwell and I’ve had two heart attacks but I’ve never given up fighting.

"It’s not about power, it’s about having a community club to be proud of and to take forward.

"The only thing I’m sorry for is bringing Tony Betteridge into the football club.

"Hopefully the judge will see exactly where we are and what has been going on."

With an equal share in the club, Mr Crosbie admits the two men reached an "empase" and they were going nowhere. Pressure from the Football Association meant something had to give.

"With a 50-50 split we could never vote on anything and couldn’t move the club forward," said Mr Crosbie. "The FA were exasperated at the situation as much as me."

Ashford quit the Ryman League earlier this month and delays in the administration case could mean their application to join the Kent League may be heard too late.

"I will work 24/7 to make sure we are playing football next season," he said. "If the judge rejects the appointment of an administrator or there are objections so severe that the judge holds over the case then we may run out of time for playing football."

Mr Betteridge said: "I won’t contest going into administration if Ashford appoint an independent person to deal with the situation. That was rejected 100 per cent (by Mr Crosbie)."

The club is currently banned by the Football Association from playing any football as a result of unpaid money to Ebbsfleet.