28th September 2007. 11.45am
This week has seen the launch of the 30th edition
of the Non-League Club Directory, the book that is regarded
as the ultimate fact, figures and statistics bible of
the non-league game.
Edited by the extremely highly regarded journalist
and publisher Tony Williams, each year bestows The Non-League
Directory Awards and within these awards there is a
section called Regional Club Awards.
Quoting directly from the 2008 Non-League Directory:
Regional Club Awards 2006-07
These awards are not necessarily given to the best
clubs in each area but go to the clubs who have recorded
special achievements which reflect well on their resources
and position in the non-league pyramid.
SOUTH EAST
Maidstone United created great excitement for their
fans in 1989 when they were accepted by The Football
League but exhilaration turned to despair when the club
disintegrated before their eyes. The courage, determination
and sheer love of the club has seen steady rebuilding
and a major triumph last season when with very real
plans for a new ground and the presence of a successful
squad, United won the Ryman League Division One South
championship in a thrilling race from two other clubs
with good traditions, Tooting & Mitcham United and
Dover Athletic. Managed by Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume
with help from an inspired team of administrators and
superb supporters, Maidstone will be hoping that should
they reach the top again they now have the stability
to stay there.
The club will be officially presented with their award
at a ceremony to be held at the Football Association
Headquarters in Soho Square on 10th October.
Club Secretary Darren Lovell commented “The wording
in the Non-League Directory in relation to this prestigious
award says it all really. This award is an acknowledgement
of the efforts of everybody concerned with Maidstone
United, right from the chairman and his backroom staff,
through the team and its’ management and down to
the fantastically loyal supporter base that we enjoy.
“Everybody connected with Maidstone United should
be proud of this achievement whatever part they have
played in our survival, re-establishment and subsequent
success.”
28th September 2007. 11.30am
Sadly last weeks goal hero will not be joining
the squad for the FA Cup trip to Billericay as Gillingham
do not want their player cup tied, so that brings Tiesse
or Takaloo back into contention for a starting place
up front with Lynden Rowland.
The stones will be taking a squad of 17 up to Essex
with doubt hanging over Aaron Lacy who will need a late
fitness test before deciding on the final 16. However
Sam Tydeman is now back in contention for a place in
the starting line-up after a run out midweek.
Meanwhile, Craig Roser will begin his return to match
fitness with a game for the reserves on Saturday alongside
Maxton who Walker and Hume want to further assess. Walker
explained; "He has been suffering with tight hamstrings,
but been a young lad didn't bring that to our attention
and hence has not performed to his potential, so we're
offering him a chance in the reserves to show what he
is capable of with the possibilty of a further chance
with the first team next week in the League Cup"
If you can't make Saturday's game there will be live
text updates from the game on the Official Site, and
for those who can't get near a computer, don't forget
you can receive live SMS updates direct to you phone...click
here for details.
26th September 2007. 1.45pm
Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume have the luxury of picking
from a fully fit squad this evening as they aim to lift
themselves out of the relegation zone when the Stones
take on Boreham Wood at home .
This includes the return of Sam Tydeman and Craig Roser
to the squad with both players having now recovered
from their long term injuries. Meanwhile new loan signing
Luis Cambers looks set to be in the starting line-up
after impressing in his opening game for the club at
the weekend and looks set to partner Lyden Rowland up
front.
24th September 2007. 7.00pm
The club announced this evening the departure
of Darren Smith after deciding to return to play back
in the Ryman Div 1.
Announcing the news this evening, joint-manager Alan
Walker said; "He originally moved to the club for
the challenge, but having seen our squad and experienced
the football at this level he has found the change of
football too much of a challenge. He's been brave enough
to admit it so we've allowed him to go. The lad said
that he didn't just want to be a squad player and when
he looked at the players in our squad he knew he would
be more of a squad player and he felt he wasn't enjoying
his football anymore. We like to place on record our
thanks for the work he has out in since he came to the
club and wish him well."
However, despite the departure Walker felt he had the
players available to fill the gap without rushing out
to sign another player; "We have Aaron Lacy available
for Wednesday night having now recovered from his injury,
but both Lloyd and myself feel that Jimmy Bodle could
also be an option in that position and it's something
we'll talk about over the next couple of days."
22nd September 2007. 7.00pm
Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has updated supporters
on progress with a potential investor.
Speaking in today's matchday programme he said: "I
know many of you would have been looking at the calendar
and felt that the chairman had stated previously in
the press that he would know the decision of the potential
investors by the 15th September after concluding the
process of due diligence. Well, let’s update you.
"You are correct, the potential investor had until
the 15th to complete the due diligence process after
a period of three months. At their request, Richard
and I, together with my professional advisors, met with
their representatives earlier this week in London. At
this meeting it became very apparent through the discussions
that they remain very interested and genuine in investing
within the club, but as of that date they were not in
a position to finalise all the details of offer. After
listening to their reasons and having the opportunity
to discuss the formalities with my professional advisors,
I decided to agree to a short extension.
"This extension does not have a fixed timescale.
I personally will understand that the reaction to this
news will be mixed by some of the supporters, but that’s
expected and I am used to being on the end of their
worries for the security of their club. Having gone
through 12 weeks of detailed work with this particular
potential investor, I think it is in the best interests
of the club to offer them the required extra time for
them to conclude all due diligence matters and, let’s
be honest, what we all want is to build our new stadium
and return home to play, and I feel that this can only
be achieved by inviting investors such as these to come
into the club and support the current structure to ensure
that it becomes a fact rather than a dream for all those
concerned with the club."
21st September 2007. 1.30pm
Ahead of this weekends derby with Tonbridge Angels,
the Stones management were able to reveal another signing
today.
19 year-old striker Luis Cumbers joins us from Gillingham
where he has come through their youth system and made
a substitute appearance for the first team this season.
He comes to us on loan as part of his work experience.
Alan Walker described him as a proven goalscorer and
will come straight into Saturday's squad.
As for other team news and most of the squads injury
problems seem to have improved with Nathan Paul, Errison
Ahwan and Rob Owen all expected to return to the squad
at the weekend. Takaloo will however have to sit out
Saturday and Aaron Lacy will undergo a late fitness
test having picked up a rib injury midweek. However
Alan Walker was looking forward for what promises to
be an exciting encounter with his former club; "I
guess you could say there will be a bit of added spice
Saturday as there are so many connections between the
two clubs. We obviously have a number of ex-Tonbridge
players in our squad and Tonbridge still contain a number
of players who I signed, so it certainly looks as if
it will be a competitive game."
One final piece of good news is the Criag Roser looks
set to start his comeback next week when he starts training
again. After a week of running this week, providing
there are no adverse reactions, he should get the all
clear to return to training.
18th September 2007. 11.30am
Whilst the core of Saturday's squad will be involved
in tonights trip to Cray Wanderers in the Kent Senior
Cup, joint-managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume will
be making a number of changes as injuries take their
toll on the squad.
Mo Takaloo managed to strain a neck muscle scoring
his goal on Saturday so looks set to be out for up to
10 days. Also injured during Saturday's game were Erisson
Ahwan and Lynden Rowland (hamstring strains) and Nathan
Paul (foot) and so will be rested tonight as will Rob
Owen as a precautionary measure following his recovery
from a hamstring injury. Also sitting out tonights game
is Nick Hegley whose exceptional performanes in the
last few games have taken their toll on his fitness.
However, Mario McNish, Lee Shearer, Alex Tiesse, Pat
Mullin and Darren Smith will all start tonight.
There will also be opportunities given to the new signings
from last week with Helio Guerreiro, Jamie Maxton and
Aiden Ashton all included tonight as will be reserve
team players Jimmy Bodle and James Peacock.
Finally Ben Lewis tonight begins his 6 game suspension
following his two red cards.
17th September 2007. 4.30pm
The draw for the second qualifying round of this
years FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) was announced this
afternoon and The Stones have been handed a very tough
tie against fellow Ryman Premier side Billericay Town.
Reacting to the draw, joint-manager Alan Walker said;
"I always say that somewhere along the line you
will meet a tough side and that is precisiely what we
have got with aguably one of the toughest ties of the
round. It's a case of going there and doing our best
and not fearing another heavy defeat against a top side.
I'm confident that things are beginning to go our way
and we shall certainly go there positive of getting
a result."
The tie takes place on Saturday 29th September at 3pm.
16th September 2007. 9.00pm
 Maidstone
Rascals FC Under 12s (part of Maidstone Rangers FC and
in partnership with Maidstone United FC) played their
first ever 11-a-side match against Swanscombe Tigers
FC in Division 2 of the Kent Girls and Ladies Football
League.
The game started brightly for Rascals and after five
minutes, Maia Cox was fouled in the penalty area and
immediately got up to slot home the penalty kick. After,
19 minutes Jasmine Kiwamuka was fouled in the penalty
area to win a penalty for the team. Maia Cox slotted
home the penalty, 2-0 to the Rascals. Just before half
time, Maia Cox beat three players and slotted the ball
home into the bottom corner to get her hat trick. Rascals
were 3-0 up at half time.
In the second half, Rascals continued their strong
performance and after seven minutes into the half, Maia
Cox beat two players and put the ball into the bottom
corner for her and the Rascals fourth goal of the game.
At 15 minutes into the second half, Jessica Bavin followed
up a pass and finished smartly into the goal for her
first goal for the club. Rascals continued to pepper
the Swanscombe goal and Jessica Bavin and Anna McIntyre
both hit the post. No further goals were scored so the
Rascals won their first ever league game 5-0.
Manager Dan Hales was jubilant after the game and praised
his squad for a stunning performance in their first
ever 11-a-side match. Special mention was made at the
end of the game for Maia Cox as well as the strong performance
from central defender Alex Reid.
14th September 2007. 10.00pm
Young people in Maidstone have the chance to pick
up the skills that made football legends of Pele and
Ronaldinho.
Futsal coaching is coming to Astor Sport and Leisure
Complex on Monday afternoons from 24 September. Astor
of Hever School Sports Partnership and Maidstone United
Football Club have teamed up to launch the 'pay and
play' sessions.
Futsal is a five-a-side game played with smaller goals
and a smaller ball with reduced bounce. It gets its
name from the Spanish words for 'Hall' - Sala and 'Football'
- Futbol into Futsal. There is a great demand on a player's
technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.
There will be two sessions on Mondays. Years 4, 5 and
6 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and years 7 and 8 from 4.30pm
to 5.30pm. The cost is £2 per session.
For more information contact John Saunders on 01622
752940 or email saundersj@astor-of-hever.kent.sch.uk
The project is the latest between the specialist sports
college for Maidstone - Astor of Hever Community School
and Ryman Premier Division club Maidstone United.
14th September 2007. 9.30am
Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume have continued to restructure
the squad at Maidstone United this week as they released
one more player and signed three new faces.
Following the recent departures of Simon Austin (to
Horsham), Craig Wilkins (to Dover Athletic) and Jason
Barton (to Redhill), Slovakian back up goalkeeper Michal
Czanner has also moved on from The Stones to join Tommy
Sampson’s Redhill side. Czanner was an extremely
popular player with colleagues and supporters alike
and will be best remembered for his brilliant late penalty
save during a 3-2 victory against Fleet Town last season.
Signing on the dotted line for Maidstone United are
three players from completely different backgrounds.
Replacing Czanner is Australian born goalkeeper Chris
Peck. The 20 year old has had trials with both Queens
Park Rangers and Ipswich Town in the past and has been
with A-League side Sydney FC as a trainee for the last
three seasons.
27 year old Portuguese full back Helio Guerreiro comes
to the club having played almost all of his football
in the Portuguese 2nd Division with Algarve based club
Union Desportivo De Lagoa. Having moved to London earlier
this year, Helio opted to sign for The Stones after
rejecting an offer from Ryman League Division 1 North
side Waltham Forest.
The third new signing is 23 year old striker Aiden
Ashton. The nephew of former Stones’ legend Ken
Charlery, Ashton has blistering pace. He has been out
of senior football for over a year and was previously
with Dover Athletic.
Another striker will be putting pen to paper as soon
as his international clearance has been confirmed. 22
year old Canterbury born Jamie Maxton is poised to join
The Stones after having played last season for Treasure
Coast Galleons in the Florida Elite Soccer League.
All four players trained with the club on Thursday
evening and signed forms following the session. Although
it is unlikely that any of these players will play in
this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Erith & Belvedere,
it is possible that a couple of them may well play for
the reserves away to Sevenoaks Town.
Alan Walker said “Helio has trained a couple of
times with us now and certainly looks to be a very good
player. Aiden Ashton has devastating pace which is something
that we need and Jamie Maxton looks to be very strong
and athletic.”
“Letting Michal go happened because he felt that
he needed to be playing more and at the moment and unless
Pat Mullin is suspended or injured, Michal was always
going to be second in the pecking order. So, an opportunity
to sign Chris Peck arose and to be honest it has suited
all parties concerned. Hopefully we will see Chris challenging
Pat for the number one shirt very soon.”
13th September 2007. 4.15pm
It was confirmed today the Michel Czanner had decided
to leave the club.
Michel has opted to leave the club in search of a regular
starting place and will be joining Jason Barton at Redhill.
We wish him well at his new club and thank him for his
efforts in helping the Stones with their promotion to
the Premier Division. The club are looking to bring
in a replacement over the next 24 hours.
13th September 2007. 2.15pm
The Stones can welcome back Mario McNish to the
squad for this weekend's visit of Erith & Belvedere
in the FA Cup.
Mario completed his one match ban last weekend so will
be returning to the squad as the Stones seek to put
their poor league start behind them and make a good
start to their FA Cup campaign. Sadly new signing Darren
Smith won't be available as he is cup tied, but speaking
today Alan Walker was pleased with Smith's debut last
week. "It's tough to come straight into a side
and make an impact, so he had a quiet start to his career
with the club but I have no doubt we will see a lot
more of him in the weeks and months to come."
As ever, if you can't make Saturday's game, there will
be live text updates through the website and if you
can't get to a PC don't forget our goal flash SMS service...click
here for details.
Finally the draw for the first round of the Isthmian
Youth Cup has taken place and the Stones have been drawn
away to Margate with fixtures to take place by 26th
October.
11th September 2007. 7.30pm
Young and Partners Motors Limited is sponsoring
Maidstone United under 18 central team for the next
two seasons.
The family run business, which has been established
in the Maidstone area for more than 30 years, is backing
the side as it aims to retain the league championship.
The team's manager Phil Roxburgh said: "We couldn't
run our successful youth teams without the backing of
local businesses. This two-year deal means a lot to
us and I thank everyone at Young and Partners for their
support."
For more on Young and Partners, visit www.youngandpartners.co.uk
6th September 2007. 10.30am
As mentioned yesterday, Stones were hoping to make
a new signing in time for this weekends trip to Hendon,
and Alan Walker was today able to confirm the signing
of Darren Smith from Chatham.
Commenting on the signing this morning Alan Walker
said; "He's a player with a great deal of experience
at this level having played with Gravesend in the Conference
and Ryman leagues, and comes to us in a rich vein of
form having scored five in two games. He's a player
than can play in a variety of positions and with us
being fairly light in terms of numbers at th emoment
due to injuries and suspensions, he will be a welcome
addition to the squad"
Smith will come straight into the squad for the Hendon
game but will have to miss the FA Cup game as he will
be cup tied.
Finally, there was more welcome news for this weekends
game with Lynden Rowland looking set to return to the
squad having fully recovered from his injury.
5th September 2007. 5.00pm
The Stones today announced that the club had come
to a mutual agreement to cancel the contract of Craig
Wilkins.
Explaining the situation this afternoon, Alan Walker
stated; "When Craig joined the club he believed
he would be playing in the strikers role. Regrettably
he has been suffering from an ongoing back problem and
he feels he is not able to perform in that role to the
best of his ability and so we came to an agreement to
cancel his contract with the club"
The club are now looking at signing a replacement and
hope to make one signing in time for the weekend and
you'll be able to hear any news on that signing through
the Official site.
4th September 2007. 10.30am
The Stones will be without the services of influential
striker Lyden Rowland tonight as they head to Ramsgate
tonight looking for their first away win of the season.
Rowland picked up a slight hamstring injury last Friday
which forced him off at half-time, but the club are
hopeful a weeks rest will enable him to return to the
squad at the weekend. Good news is that Andy Martin
has recovered from flu and will return to the squad
and Jimmy Strouts also looks set to join the squad this
evening. Tonight also marks Mario McNish's last game
before starting his one match suspension which will
see him miss the trip to Hendon at the weekend.
Previewing tonight's game, joint manager Alan Walker
envisaged a very tough game; "We know that we'll
have to work hard if we are to get anything tonight,
they are a very hardworking side and have a strong team
ethic. However we too do have a strong team ethic which
has started to show in our performances of late so it
lloks set to be a tough game, but a game I'm looking
forward to."
Ramsgate have informed us that The Rams' Club will
be open from 6.30pm. Please note there will be no alcoholic
drinks allowed in the stadium. Admission to Southwood
is £9 for Adults, £5 for Concessions (Over
60s, Students & Unemployed) and £5 for Juniors
(5 – 16 yrs, under 5s are free).
Finally, the draw for the Isthmian League Cup took
place at the weekend and we have been drawn at home
to Canvey Island in the 2nd Round of the Cup on a date
to be arranged.
3rd September 2007. 6.45pm
Two local businesses are backing Maidstone United's
newest team. Guy Salmon Land Rover and Complete Moling
Services are sponsoring the club's under 13 team this
season.
Manager Sean Sutton said: "It's great to have
the backing of these companies. The youth development
section is run by volunteers and we depend on the sponsorship
from local businesses to help us."
The under 13s started their league campaign yesterday
beating Bearsted 2-0.
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