27th September. 4.00pm
Stones were able to confirm today that Ryan Royston had
re-joined the club after a short stint with Thamesmead.
Speaking about his return, Alan Walker said; "He originally
went to Thamesmead because he had started a new job and was
unsure how it would affect his ability to train and play.
However, as he's settled into the job he is now able to make
a commitment and although there may still be occassions when
he is unavailable Lloyd and myself are willing to accept this
to allow the return of Ryan to the squad. This comes as good
news for us as Lew Watts has confirmed he will be leaving
the club and coupled with the signing of Lee Shearer at the
start of the week it certainly gives us a lot more options
in defence now."
25th September. 12.00pm
It's the long awaited match against Dartford this
evening and once again Stones go into the game with several
injury worries.
Definitely out is defender Lew Watts serving a one match
ban. He is currently subject to a 7-day approach from our
hosts this evening and has still to make a descision on a
move. Also set to miss out are Jimmy Strouts (back problem),
Lee Sperring (ankle) and Lyden Rowland who continues his recovery
from his hamstring problem. However Ray Powell will be back
in the squad having now completed his 3 match ban. There may
also be a new signing appearing for the Stones this evening
but that will depend on the relevant paperwork being completed
in time.
Speaking about tonights game, Alan Walker was looking forward
to what is a landmark game for both teams; "A lot of
water has passed under the bridge for both clubs with new
regimes and new set ups now in place and it's fantastic to
see both clubs bouncing back from what have been rough times
and both are a credit to Kent football. There's is certainly
no animosity between the two sides and the players are really
looking forward to this game. We come into it on the back
of two good training sessions and having had Dartford scouted
we know where we can nulify their strengths and exploit their
weaknesses so we can continue to keep up with the pack"
Don't forget the match takes place at Thurrock FC, which
means taking the M25 through Dartford Tunnel to exit 31 (first
exit after tolls booths- so you will need to be in the left
tunnell)). Keep to left hand lane to roundabout controlled
by traffic lights. Take 3rd exit signposted to Aveley which
is Ship Lane. Ground 200yards on right hand side adjacent
to Thurrock Hotel. Finally, if you fancy a punt on tonights
game BWIN.com
are offering odds of 17/10 for a Stones victory. CLICK
HERE to be redirected to their site.
21st September. 10.30pm
It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of the
passing of one of its former players, John Glover.
The club wishes to convey its deepest sympathy and send its
condolences to the Glover family.
John joined the club from Nuneaton Borough in the early 80s
and an outstanding centre half, who was capped by England
at semi-professional level on a number of occasions.
Present General Manager, Bill Williams signed John and learning
of the news said, I find it very hard to comprehend
that John has passed away it is so sad that such a
lovely man be taken from us. He was of course a tremendous
player in his time at Maidstone United brilliant in
the air and always a pleasure to be around. I spent
many happy hours in his company and had great respect for
him. He will be missed.
19th September. 10.30am
Stones will be aiming to pick themselves up from Saturday's
defeat tonight, but will be without influential striker Lynden
Rowland. Rowland suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday's
game and could be out for up to 2 weeks.
Stones will also have to wait on a late fitness test on Leroy
Huggins as well before tonights game, as he picked up a slight
groin strain on Saturday. So with Ray Powell serving his last
game of his suspension tonight, Walker and Hume may have to
do some reshuffling up front.
However, joint manger Lloyd Hume remained convinced he could
pick the boys up for tonight's game; "It's a question
of putting things in perspective, we've had one bad performance
and we need to put that to the back of our minds and get back
on track. Two wins and I see us back in the top 3 of the league.
However Burgess Hill will be well up for this game tonight
after their defeat against us two weeks ago, so we will have
to raise our game as well. I remain convinced we have a very
good squad of players and that hasn't changed after Saturday's
performance, it's just one bad game out of what has been a
good start to the season and if we perform at the level I
know we're capable of we will win tonight." On BWIN.com,
Stones are 27/20 to win tonight, so if you fancy a flutter,
CLICK
HERE to be redirected to their site and remember
a proportion of the revenue raised from betting through this
site goes directly to the club.
Finally, one other piece of team news, and Errison Ahwan
suffered a setback in his road to recovery after pulling his
hamstring again on Saturday. Errison, playing his first game
back from injury for the Reserves, played a good first half,
but early in the second half felt his hamstring go again.
17th September. 3.00pm
The club have just been informed by the League Secretary
that our fixture on Tuesday night vs Burgess Hill Town is
now due to be played at Worthing (ko 7-30pm).
This is due to an ongoing issue with the floodlights at Burgess
Hill. Direction are now in our matchday section.
15th September. 12.30pm
Not much to report from the Stones camp with thoses players
rested for the midweek cup game returning to the squad for
Saturday's trip to Ashford Town (Middx).
Definitely out is Ray Powell serving his second match of
a 3 match ban. Good news on the injury front is that Errison
Ahwan will be playing his first game from injury for the reserves
this weekend as he bids to regain his match fitness and challenge
for a place in the first team.
Stones will certainly fancy their chances this weekend and
we know from previous years how effective the superb away
support can be in cheering the Stones to victory, so directions
to the game are now online in our matchday section. Don't
forget BWIN.com
are offering good odds of 29/20 for a Stones win and remember
if you sign up you're also supporting the Stones who earn
a share of all revenue made.
10th September. 3.30pm
Contrary to various rumours the club can confirm that
joint manager Lloyd Hume missed Saturday's game due to the
fact that a very close family member suffered a massive heart
attack on Saturday morning.
Lloyd has a young family and he had to take responsibility
for those close to him as he made journeys to and from hospital
on Saturday to meet his obvious family committments.
As it was, Lloyd spent the last 10 minutes of Saturday's game
in direct contact with the suspended Sam Tydeman via mobile
phone to check up on our progress.
It would be extremely helpful if users of internet message
boards would refrain from any further conjecture regarding
Lloyd's absence from the game, as he would like to concentrate
on the current highly pressing family issues.
Finally, Lloyd would genuinely like to thank all those who
have made sincere enquiries as to his welfare. Needless to
say, he will be back in the dugout on Tuesday evening at Tonbridge.
Meanwhile, Alan Walker is currently coaching in Botswana on
behalf of the Kent FA as part of Soccer Aid.
6th September 2006. 4.00pm
The Stones were today able to announce the signing of Ray
Powell from Tonbridge as they continue to strengthen the squad
to meet the demands of the Ryman League.
Powell was described by Alan Walker as; "a tenacious
and very quick player who has many similarites to Lynden Rowland
in terms of his work rate and ability to give defenders a
hard time." Ray can play both as wing back and right
back but has been primarily brought in as a striker and will
be available for Saturday's game with Met Police. However
he does start a 3 match ban after that game. Walker went on
to say; "He's a player we've been chasing for some time
and we're delighted that he has finally decided to join us
and I know Tonbridge are disappointed that he can no longer
play for them. If fans have any doubts about the release of
Mo Takaloo, then this lad will very soon win the fans over
with his ability."
4th September 2006. 5.00pm
Alan Walker revealed today that striker Mo Takaloo has
decided to leave the club and looks set to rejoin Ramsgate
tomorrow. The news comes after Takaloo was dropped on Sunday
in favour of Leroy Huggins and although he seemed to accept
the decision on Sunday, he informed Alan and Lloyd today that
he had decided to leave the club.
Reacting to the news, Alan Walker was naturally disappointed;
"We felt that Mo hadn't been performing well this season,
and although he is our top scorer, two of those did come from
penalties and he never looked as though he had adapted to
the pace of the game at this level. He has of course had injury
problems so we told him on Sunday that he could no longer
be our first choice striker with a fully fit Leroy Huggins
and Simon Austin waiting in the wings. So we hoped that he
would respond to that by regaining his fitness and fight to
return to the starting line-up. Sadly we got the call today
and he was wanting to leave the club and had received an offer
to play back at Ramsgate."
"He obviously goes with our very best wishes and our
thanks for the massive contribution he made to getting Maidstone
promotion to the Ryman League. He will certainly go down as
a major star of the Stones recent history including the 40+
goals he scored last year which earned him the Golden Boot.
So we thank him for all his hard work at the club and wish
him well with his return to full fitness and every success
at his new club"
1st September 2006. 4.00pm
It's FA Cup weekend at Bourne Park and The Stones take
on Burgess Hill on Sunday with what looks to be an almost
full strength side.
The major piece of good news is the return of Sam Tydeman
and speaking today, joint manager Alan Walker was 99% certain
Sam would be fit to play. Also returning to the squad will
be Craig Roser who decided to change his mind about retiring
from the game last season. Finally, Lew Watts can now make
his debut for the Stones with his registration now successfully
transferred over to the club after League regulation prevented
him playing last weekend.
The only other piece of team news is that Jimmy Strouts will
miss the game on Sunday serving his one match ban.
The club are hoping for a big turn out for the game. especially
with the match taking place on Sunday and your support will
be a massive boost to the players as they try and progress
to the later stages of the competition. However, if you can't
make it there will be regular updates from the game on the
Official Website throughout the afternoon.
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