European Cup Winner signs for Maidstone United

TODAY was another busy day behind the scenes at Maidstone United as co-managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume signed two further players to make it three new signings for the week.

Mark Saunders joined the club on Thursday and Alan Walker was thrilled with the capture of the former Gillingham midfielder saying to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk :” I have been chasing Mark Saunders for years but he was committed to Folkestone. He will be a big player for us and he is a real catch.”

The Stones were also able to disclose that they had managed to sign Ian Selley from Grays Athletic of the Blue Square Premier.

Selley, 34, made his name in the game with Arsenal and played 42 times for The Gunners including an appearance in the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final when Arsenal beat Parma of Italy 1-0 with a goal by Alan Smith.

The hard working midfielder has also played for Fulham, Wimbledon, Southend United and Woking.

Late this afternoon, central defender Marc Clearey was signed from Ryman League Division One North side Tilbury.

Recently with QPR, Clearey was released when the new Italian management consortium took control at Loftus Road.

He has also spent some time this season at Brentford and began the campaign at Ilford.

Alan Walker had watched Clearey following a recommendation during the week and invited the youngster to training on Thursday evening when he again impressed thus leading to him rapidly signing for Stones.

All three of this week’s new signings should be involved in tomorrow’s trip to AFC Hornchurch.

Unfortunately though, Andy Pugh will not be available for the fixture after he strained a knee in training although it is hoped that he will be back in contention for a starting place next week.

Finally, commenting on the addition to the coaching staff of former Dover Athletic and Ashford Town manager Clive Walker, Alan Walker said: “I have known Clive for twenty years and there is no doubting his knowledge of the game.

“At the moment, and for probably the next six months, I am unable to get as involved in taking the training sessions as I need to be so Clive will be able to help Lloyd out on the coaching side of things. Also, it means that Clive will be on the bench when Lloyd is suspended.”

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

AFC Hornchurch v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 8^th March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Stadium, Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex RM14 2LX