Budget cuts force Walker to quit Stones

Thursday 21st May 2009

MAIDSTONE UNITED Supporters' Association Player Of The Year Andy Walker, is the second big name player to leave The Stones this week following the earlier departure of Elliot Bradbrook, who had joined rivals Dartford at the weekend.

As goalkeeper Walker moves on, the management team of Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker have moved very quickly to sign a quality replacement in Jamie Turner, who played for both Welling United and Ramsgate last season.

Alan Walker, speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, explained the reason for the change in goalkeeping personnel at the cash-strapped Ryman Premier League club.

He said: "Lloyd and myself are extremely disappointed to lose Andy and his departure is due in some ways to the budgetary restraints that have been applied to the team budget for this season.

"Andy was made an offer to stay which was in line with the new budget and he quite rightly asked for time to think the offer over.

"We tried to get him to commit to Maidstone but he then asked for further time to think this and offers from other clubs over.

"During this time, Lloyd and myself were left with the possibility of having no first choice keeper if Andy did turn us down. We knew that there was a possibility of obtaining the services of Jamie Turner who has just finished the season at Ramsgate after signing for them just before Christmas.

"Jamie is an excellent keeper with bags of experience and Lloyd and myself had him in our side at Tonbridge so we know a lot about him.

"With other clubs showing strong interest in Jamie we had to move quickly to secure his signature and with Andy Walker unable to commit immediately it made the decision for us really.

"I believe that Andy did want to re-sign for Maidstone but Lloyd and I just could not risk losing out on two keepers, so we took the decision to sign Jamie straight away.

"I can only give Andy Walker the highest amount of praise possible because he was superb for us last season and he never let us down once. I sincerely wish him all the best at his new club, wherever that may be and I know that the supporters will wish him the best of luck too."

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk