Bert returns from his very brief retirement

Monday 21st August 2006

Injury-hit Maidstone United are delighted to confirm today that Craig “Bert” Roser has agreed to return to the club and had signed forms with the Ryman League Division One South club following their 2-0 win at Hastings United on Saturday.

Joint manager Alan Walker was 'delighted' that he had changed his mind about retiring from the game and should give an injury ravaged squad a welcome boost.

But the 28-year-old former Tonbridge Angels’ defender will not be available until after the Bank Holiday game with Chatham Town and his long awaited return will depend on his fitness after not taking part in any pre-season games or training.

Meanwhile, the club were contending with a new injury today with Errison Ahwan unlikely to be available for the next few games after picking up a hamstring injury last week. With the extent of the injury unknown, he could be out for up to six weeks.

Also picking up an injury during the game was Sam Tydeman who suffered a very bad dead leg and was unable to continue for the second half and will probably miss Wednesday's game against Fleet Town at Bourne Park.

The final news from the weekend is the failure of Tony Sinclair to appear for the game on Saturday.

”The club are waiting to hear from the player for an explanation for his apparent breech of club discipline and we will update you on the situation as and when we have more information,” said a statement on www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

The Stones have also received confirmation that the game with Dartford, originally set for Saturday 23rd September will now be an evening kick-off at Thurrock on Monday 25th September.

The change was forced on Dartford after the opening of their Princes Park stadium was delayed. They have now extended their groundshare with Thurrock, who have a game that day and with a charity game scheduled for the Sunday, the Ryman League insisted that the fixture be played on the Monday.

Visit Maidstone United's website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk