28th June 2007. 12.00pm
 Thanks
to the efforts of the signmakers there is now a sign
bold and proud sitting on the site of the new ground
announcing the return of Maidstone Utd to the county
town.
Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown was delighted that the sign
had arrived ahead of schedule and in time for the Tour
de France; "This sign will ensure people of the
town know that the club is coming home and will hopefully
be focal point for supporters to gather whent the Tour
de France passes through the town"
He went on to say; "Although some kind of event
on the site of the new ground would have been a terrific
idea, logistically it was just not possible particularly
after the recent groundworks meant it is a very uneven
surface. Coupled with the council itself holding several
events in the town centre and the need to attain an
expensive licence to hold an event, as well as much
of the town centre being closed off from 8am, it just
would not have been feasible. I hope fans will use the
event to publicise the club just by being there and
wearing their colours on the day, as with most of the
population lining the route, it's going to be difficult
to miss a large group of amber shirts at the side of
the road!"
25th June 2007. 10.00pm
 Maidstone
United under 18 youth team has joined local rivals Tonbridge
Angels in the newly-formed 14-club Ryman Youth League
for next season - the only two Kent clubs to do so.
The club can now confirm that our friends at Lordswood
FC have agreed to let us use their floodlit pitch for
the home games ahead of the new stadium in Maidstone
for 2008/09 season. Fixtures will be published on the
club website as soon as they are announced.
Maidstone United's Ryman youth team manager will be
Tony Cornwell who last season led the Stones under 18s
(central) to the Kent Youth League title, which they
won convincingly by 12 points. They then went on to
retain the International Tournament trophy in VV. Kamerik
in Holland at the end of the season, making that two
years in a row for this talented team. As the majority
of this team will form the nucleus of our Ryman team
the club feels confident in this new challenge.
Working alongside will be Peter Nott, the reserve team
manager, together with Phil Roxburgh and Russell Palmer
of the Kent youth league under 18 teams. The management
team of Tony and Peter, replicating the first team pairing,
had an extremely successful last campaign, managing
the under 18s (central) and reserves. Following a shaky
start, the newly formed reserve side, with a very young
playing staff in 2007, recorded a fantastic sequence
of results in their final 13 games. They clocked up
11 wins, one draw and one defeat, and eventually finished
a highly creditable fourth place in the Kent League
Division One table in their first season. This was with
a team essentially under 21 years of age which makes
the coming season very exciting for the reserves and
the Ryman team.
Chairman of Maidstone United's youth section Mike Cogger
said: "The youth programme at Maidstone United
has developed immensely in the past four years and the
first team management and club chairman, together with
the hard-core supporters, have witnessed the progression
of several young players that have now featured and
gained some first-team match experience.
"The introduction of the Ryman Youth League will
help bridge the gap between youth and reserve team football
and playing in the Ryman Premier League. I would like
to thank Lordswood for offering facilities to us and
we hope that fans will make the short journey over the
Downs to support the young Stones in this campaign.
The club has a number of excellent youngsters, especially
at 17 and 18 years of age, many of which are capable
of progressing into high levels within the football
pyramid."
25th June 2007. 1.00pm
Former Maidstone United captain Jimmy Strouts has
returned to the club as a player-coach this lunchtime.
Strouts, who was part of the Whitstable Town team which
recently won promotion to the Ryman League, will assist
joint managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume and physio
Tim Warden with the first team’s fitness and training.
The signing today of the UEFA B qualified coach comes
at a crucial time for the club, with Alan Walker currently
recovering from a freak injury three weeks ago.
Speaking about his comeback Strouts said: "I can’t
wait to return to the club. I’m looking forward
to working with Alan, Lloyd and Tim and helping to take
the club forward following two very successful seasons.
"I was in contact with Walks and Lloydy about a
coaching role and following Alan’s injury things
moved on quite quickly.
"I was disappointed to leave the club midway through
last season but I’m pleased they kept an eye on
me and my achievements at Whitstable Town. These are
exciting times for Maidstone United and I’m really
pleased to be part of it."
21st June 2007. 6.00pm
Maidstone United hosted a golf day at The Ridge
Golf Club, East Sutton yesterday.
A number of teams took part in the competition which
helped to raise funds for the new stadium. Photographer
Pete Norris was there to see the teams before they set
off.
General Manager Bill Williams (left) and Vice
Chairman Richard Bowden-Brown (right).
Physio Tim Warden (left) and Vice President Mal
Watkins (right).
21st June 2007. 4.15pm
Alan Walker's MRI scan on Tuesday has shown
that last week's operation was a complete success.
The verdict has given Alan a lot of hope for the future
and his surgeon is expecting him to make a good recovery.
He is now waiting on a transfer to a specialist unit
back in England.
You can read an in-depth interview with Alan Walker,
which he gave to the website on Sunday, below.
17th June 2007. 9.05pm
 Two
major traumas in less than a week would be enough to
knock the stuffing out of anyone. For joint-manager
Alan Walker, it has tested him emotionally, mentally
and physically but this born winner is determined bounce
back. Using his natural fitness and the love and support
of his family, friends and colleagues, not just here
but around the world, he’s spurred on to recover
following that horrific injury.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Belfast, he talked
about the last two weeks – the operation, the support
he’s received and his hopes for the future.
“I’m slowly getting better, better each day.
I’m still in hospital in Belfast following the
accident and the three and a half hour operation last
week. I’ll know more about my progress on Tuesday
when I have an MRI scan. Before I have the scan, they’ve
got to remove the staples from my neck.
“My surgeon is confident the operation was a success
and all being well, if the scan goes OK, I will be able
to transfer to a hospital on the mainland, which will
be better for my family. My wife is still here in Belfast
– I have to say I’d have been lost without
her; she’s been a tower of strength.
“Realistically, if I get the green light on Tuesday,
it’s going to be three months before the rehabilitation
really takes effect. The likelihood is I’ll be
in a wheelchair for a few months – I can’t
walk at the moment or use my left hand but I’m
slowly getting stronger.
“Once rehab starts it will be intensive physiotherapy
– I’m confident I’ll beat that three
month deadline – well I’m hoping I will.
“The support I’ve received has been absolutely
amazing. I’ve had phone calls from around the world
– Africa, Thailand and the USA. There’s people
I haven’t heard from in ages, people I went to
school with. A lot of other managers have phoned me
and people I’ve never met before have text or called
to wish me well. Chairman of clubs I’ve been at
have been in touch. I’ve never parted with clubs
on bad terms, so it was nice to hear from them. I've
had lots of cards too. Some sent directly, others to
home or work but all have been forwarded on. I don't
know what my next phone bill will be like with all the
talking and texting I've been doing!
“Lloyd has been great. He was back here yesterday
to see me. His phone has been going constantly too,
with people asking for updates on my progress.
“I have to say I’ve been looked after absolutely
magnificently by the staff here at the hospital. I’ve
never been to Northern Ireland before but they’re
among the nicest people in the world. They’ve been
fantastic to me and I won’t forget it. I mean,
my injury was millimetres away from leaving me in a
similar position to that of Christopher Reeve.
“The Kent FA has been magnificent too. I’ve
worked for them for eight or nine years now, I love
the job and very much want to be part of their set-up
‘till I retire. They’ve given me their support
and I’ve got some great staff that will look after
things in the meantime. Mal Watkins has been a rock
for me, Lee Suter too – so many people in fact
have gone out of their way for me and rallied round
– it’s much appreciated.
“So what does the future hold? Well I’ll
know more after Tuesday. I did walk along the ward assisted
on Saturday. Everyone is delighted with my progress.
I’m reliant on other muscles to help me get back
on my feet; the physio will, have to in effect, teach
me to walk again properly.
“As far as Maidstone United goes, I’m in
regular contact with the chairman. He’s been great
– the best chairman I’ve ever worked with.
He told me about the Ryman reception last night and
I’m pleased he was there to pick up the accolades
for Lloyd and myself, as well as the club’s prizes.
“Lloyd and I are working together as usual. We
will be looking to bring someone in to help out while
I recover.
“I know this is an important year for the club
and despite all that’s happened in the last couple
of weeks, I’m still pushing things forward. I’m
speaking to a couple of players, seeing if we can improve
things further.
“Once again, thanks for all your support and I
hope to update you all later in the week.”
17th June 2007. 8.00pm
Last night, chairman Paul Bowden-Brown and his guests
attended the Ryman League Gala Dinner.
In true Hello style, here's our gala gallery - look
out for the suited and booted Reed brothers!!!
Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown receives the league
trophy and other mementos
from Isthmian officials and Ryman boss Theo Paphitis.
The Chairman's table
Reed all about it!
Club President George Gray with Trevor Brooking
17th June 2007. 10.00am
As part of our campaign to let Maidstone know that
football is coming home to Kent’s county town,
a new sign will soon be installed at the site of our
new ground.
Look out for it when you are driving around the roundabout
opposite the White Rabbit public house. It is due to
be up for mid-July, in time for the River Festival,
which takes place on 27/28 July.
The club had hoped the sign would be ready in time
for the Tour de France but unfortunately some artwork
has delayed the printing of it. However people power
can save the day. Why not come along in your Stones
shirt and watch from James Whatman Way. It will be the
most prominent way of turning the area amber and black
and also we can be ambassadors for the club and talk
to people standing around us.
(The above graphic is an illustration of how the
sign might look in situ).
16th June 2007. 6.00pm
Black ties at the ready as the club attends
the Ryman League Gala Dinner this evening.
The theme for this year's event is James Bond. The
club will be presented with the league trophy and other
mementos, and Paul Bowden-Brown will also collect the
Ryman League Division South Manager of the Season award
on behalf of Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker.
We will have photos from the evening online from Sunday.
16th June 2007. 11.00am
More than 100 people applied for an 'Earlybird'
season ticket for our first season in the Ryman Premier
Division.
That is an 20% increase on 2006/07, so a big thank
you for your support. The standard season ticket price
now applies but this still offers savings compared to
the standard matchday admission fees.
14th June 2007. 12.00pm
The Stones have today announced one further
friendly for their pre-season against Conference South
side Thurrock FC to take place on Tuesday 17th July
2007 1945ko at Thurrock FC
Thurrock who play in the Blue Square Southern Division
will now provide our opening pre-season fixture of the
2007/2008 season. Manager Lloyd Hume said "Thurrock
contacted us early this week and offered us the opportunity
to play a team from one division above us on what is
a really good playing surface.This will be a good opener
for us."
Many Stones fans will be familiar with Thurrock's home
as it the ground that Dartford used prior to their move
back home to Princes Park.
11th June 2007. 9.30pm
Alan Walker contacted us
briefly this evening to update us on his progress.
He had a three and a half hour operation this afternoon
following a freak accident last week. Heavily sedated
still he said: "My surgeon has told me the operation
was a resounding success. I'm not doing anything at
the moment, I'm under sedation but I hope to start rehab
work tomorrow."
Everyone at the club is delighted to hear this news
and our thoughts and best wishes remain with Alan and
his family.
9th June 2007. 10.45pm
Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown
presented Maidstone United and England Schoolboys player
Sam 'Billy' Morrison with an Outstanding Achievement
Award at the club's Youth and Reserve Presentation Evening.
Billy played for the under 18s and reserve team this
season and his hard work was rewarded with a place in
the England Schoolboys team. And despite suffering a
serious injury towards the end of season, he is already
on the road to recovery and determined to play for club
and country in the near future.
As well as the players' player and manager's player
prize, a new award - sponsored by Whitehead Monckton
- was introduced this year to recognise improvement
or some other special quality.
 The
winners were:
Outstanding Achivement Award
Sam 'Billy' Morrison
Under 13s
Manager's player: Toby Lindley
Players' player: Joe Hudson
Whitehead Monckton Award: George Hindmarsh
Under 14s
Manager's player: Ryan Cox
Players' player: Jack Hutton
Whitehead Monckton Award: Jimmy Funnel
Under 15s
Manager's player: Ryan Hall
Players' player: George Crimmens
Whitehead Monckton Award: Ross Wilton
Under 16s
Manager's player: Joe McCabe
Players' player: Grant Milne
Whitehead Monckton Award: James Day
Under 18s South
Manager's player: Luke Rivers
Players' player: Mathew Garner
Whitehead Monckton Award: Stef Wilcock
Under 18s Central
Manager's player: Ashley Ulph
Players' player: Chris Smalling
Whitehead Monckton Award: Rob Lyall
Reserves
Manager's player: James Bodle
Players' player: James Peacock
Whitehead Monckton Award: Marc Morrison
Clubman of the Year Award
Peter Nott and Tony Cornwell
Chairman of Maidstone United Paul Bowden-Brown said:
"I would like to congratuate all the players, not
just those who won, on their contribution to the club
this season. I'm determined to develop Maidstone United
into a community club and you've all got a role to play
in that. I thank all the managers, coaches and the parents
for their support and hope we will see some of the young
lads here tonight playing for the first team at our
new home in Maidstone."
8th June 2007. 2.00pm
The club were surprised
and delighted to be contacted by Alan Walker via telephone
from his hospital bed in Belfast this morning. Alan's
condition has slowly improved since his accident on
Tuesday and he sounded in remarkably good spirits.
"I've got some movement and feeling in my right
side now, which is good but I am still unable to use
my legs. The doctors have told me that my operation
has now been moved forward to Monday rather than Tuesday
and that they can see no reason why I will not be up
on my feet and walking again in the reasonably near
future."
Alan has been keeping himself busy in the last day
or so by tidying up plenty of footballing loose ends
and his phone call to the club today was with regard
to confirming player signings and pre-season friendlies.
"I've got plenty of time to sort things out at
the moment to be honest! Lloyd has been visiting
me while he's on his coaching course over here and my
wife Helen has come over here too. I'm really lucky
because it's just like having my own private nurse!"
Alan was a little surprised to hear that he was front
page news in this week's Kent Mesenger though and slightly
perturbed to hear that they had used a picture of him
in a neck brace in his hospital bed!
"That's bloody Lloyd that is! Always stitching
me up!"
Given Alan's current predicament it is certainly heart
warming to hear that his spirits are high and his determination
to recover is the same as the way he played his football
- uncompromising.
"I'm looking forward to a few friends popping
over at the weekend. Scruffy (Chris Hiscock), Tim Warden
(Stones' physio) and my mate Noddy are coming over to
visit me and then have a drink with Lloyd at the end
of his course."
Alan finished by saying "I've had millions of
texts since I've been here and to be honest I haven't
had the chance to answer them all but to everybody who
has sent their best wishes can I say a 'big thank you'
and assure everybody that I will be back as soon as
I possibly can be."
7th June 2007. 6.30pm
Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has welcomed support
for the opening of a clubhouse on the site of its new
ground.
At last Friday’s presentation evening, Bowden-Brown
mooted the clubhouse would be one of the first buildings
to be installed on the land off James Whatman Way.
Earlier this week a supporter launched an online petition
to seek views on whether people would use the facility
before the club moved back to the county town for the
start of the 2008/09 season.
More than 100 people signed up in first few days. Bowden-Brown
commented: “I’m pleased that so many are backing
the idea and would use the clubhouse while the rest
of the ground is constructed. As well as our supporters
there is potential custom from visitors to the nearby
Whatman Park, which doesn’t have any refreshment
facilities at this time.
“I would however like to make it clear the decision
to install the clubhouse is mine, as I would fund its
construction and fitting out, not any brewery I choose
to be our supplier.”
A sign promoting the Stones homecoming will be erected
shortly. Businesses interesting in backing the club
as it brings football home to Kent’s county town
are invited to contact Steve Fuller, Commercial Manager,
on 07727 054701 to discuss partnership and sponsorship
opportunities.
6th June 2007. 12.00pm, Updated 2.00pm
It is with great sadness that we have learned of
an injury to joint manager Alan Walker. Alan is in the
thoughts of everyone at the club and we send our best
and sincere wishes to his family at this time.
Walker has been left partially paralysed after a freak
injury when he went to head the ball whilst attending
an Irish FA 'A' Licence coaches course as an observer.
We were able to speak to Alan earlier today where he
outlined the extent of his injuries; " Basically
I went to head the ball in the training session and
was knocked unconscious. I came round in the ambulance
where I found myself paralysed and the doctors have
so far told me that I suffered damage to my spinal cord
as a result of one of my vertebrae coming into contact
with the nerve. I have gradually got some feeling back
but I need to rest until next week before they can operate
on me on Tuesday to look at the extent of the damage.
What they have said is that this will mean a long period
of rehabilitation and time to re-build my strength.
Walker was in Belfast with Lloyd Hume who accompanied
Walker in the ambulance to the specialist spinal unit
at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown is in contact with Alan's
family and we will make further annoucements in the
coming days
.
6th June 2007. 6.00am
Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown is introducing
a new price band for next season.
A student admission fee of £6 will be available
on production of a valid student card. Bowden-Brown
commented: "The number of students coming along
to games at Bourne Park has increased significantly
over the last few years. These young people are great
ambassadors for the club and its future, so I'm pleased
to introduce this new admission option."
Stones fans still have until Friday 15 June to apply
for a season ticket for the club's first season in the
Ryman Premier Division. An adult season ticket purchased
before that date offers 21 games for the price of 16,
when compared to the standard matchday admission fee.
Just a few more applications will beat last season's
total, so don't delay return your form today!
3rd June 2007. 9.00pm
 Maidstone
United FC has presented the Heart of Kent Hospice with
a cheque for £2,050.
The sum was raised at the club's recent sportsman's
dinner at the Village Hotel, when the special guest
was former player Warren Barton.
There was a unique auction lot on the night - a signed
Chelsea shirt - and the hammer came down with £2,050
raised for the popular charity. Stones commercial manager
Steve Fuller presented the cheque to Caroline Brinkman
(left) and Alison Keen, Community Fundraiser for HoKH.
The Heart of Kent Hospice is a specialist palliative
care unit whose purpose is to provide expert care and
support for patients with advanced cancer, motor neurone
disease or other life threatening illness where curative
treatment is no longer possible.
The multi-professional team at the Hospice have a wealth
of experience and are specialists in the control of
symptoms, including pain. They care for the physical,
emotional, social and spiritual needs of each patient
and provide support for their families and friends.
Their commitment is to work with each patient and family
to enable them to improve their quality of life and
to live each day as fully as possible.
1st June 2007. 11.10pm
Maidstone United have announced their pre-season
fixtures.
The summer tour includes a home fixture against newly-promoted
Dagenham and Redbridge on Thursday 2 August. Erith &
Belvedere will be the first opponents of the campaign
on Saturday 21 July. Other highlights include Fisher
Athletic on Saturday 28 July, a visit to play Andy Hessenthaler's
Dover Athletic on Tuesday 7 August and a trip to Bashley
on Saturday 11 August.
Find out the complete list on our fixtures
page.
1st June 2007. 11.00pm
Two more players from last season's winning side
have put pen to paper.
Stones goalkeeper Pat Mullin has agreed a deal to keep
him at the club next season and hard-working striker
Lynden Rowland will also return for the new campaign.
Speaking at the Maidstone United Championship Party,
manager Alan Walker was delighted to secure the services
of Pat Mullin. He also confirmed that Ryan Royston would
not be part of the squad but felt the signings of Craig
Wilkins and Ben Lewis would add to the strength of the
team. He paid tribute to chairman Paul Bowden-Brown
and said that Lloyd and himself were still on the look-out
for new players and that they were hoping to bring the
very best to the club.
1st June 2007. 10.45pm
 Stones
chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has hit back at 'message
board' critics.
Speaking at the club's Championship Party this evening,
he announced that a lot of behind the scenes work was
taking place to bring football home to Kent's county
town. Grant applications are being prepared and the
club is focusing on developing its role in the community.
A board promoting the club's homecoming will be in place
within the next 14 days - in time for the Tour de France,
which passes James Whatman Way.
The Stones Social Club will be one of the first buildings
constructed and he appealed to supporters to use the
facility once opened.
Getting people through the gates at Bourne Park next
season was a key concern and the option of a coach service
between Maidstone and Sittingbourne is being explored.
PBB thanked his management team and players for their
efforts last season and expressed his pleasure at seeing
so many of the squad returning for the challenge of
the Ryman Premier. He also welcomed back Craig Wilkins
to the club.
*** For all the top stories this summer, keep
logging on to maidstoneunited.co.uk - the online home
of the Stones.
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