Heroic Royston released by newly promoted Stones

Ryman Premier League newcomers Maidstone United have announced that they’ve re-signed their highly-rated goalkeeper Pat Mullin, 23, and hard-working striker Lynden Rowland, 30 - but heroic defender Ryan Royston has been released after suffering some misfortune, writes Stephen McCartney.

The big central defender, 25, will forever live in the hearts of Stones fans as his two headed goals at Walton Casuals on the final day of last season, secured the Ryman League Division One South title for the club.

HERO STATUS:  Ryan Royston has been released by Maidstone United - despite scoring the two goals that clinched the Ryman League Division One South title at Walton Casuals on the final day of last season.

Photograph courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk


Joint-manager Alan Walker broke the news at the club’s championship winning party in the county town last night.

But he insisted that the Stones have already found a replacement for Royston, having captured Ben Lewis from Blue Square Southern Welling United.

“Ryan approached us at the final day of the season to inform us his taking up a new job in Devon, so we went out and actually pursued a centre half and we’re delighted to have signed Ben Lewis from Welling, a proven defender,” Walker explained to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Since then, the position that Ryan had at Devon, has fallen through.

“It is a blow (losing Ryan) but we’re delighted to sign Ben Lewis, and we’ve strengthened in that area - Ben Lewis is a better player than Ryan - and we've also got Mario McNish and Lee Shearer.

Walker, who last month signed Craig Wilkins from Dover Athletic, is delighted to have Mullin in between the sticks again next season.

“Very pleased, we never wanted Pat to go,” said Walker. “We didn’t get a chance to talk to him when myself and Lloyd went away for a break.

“When we came back we spoke to him and negotiated a deal, and we’re delighted to have secured his services.”

The Stones are expected to add to their championship winning squad as they prepare for life in the Ryman Premier.

Walker added: “We’ve got a few people coming in for trails, a couple of ex-League players have been in touch, with a view to earn a new deal.

“The facts are if anyone comes along to strengthen our squad, we’ll make a move for them.”

Meanwhile, the Stones confirmed their pre-season programme last night, with a mouth-watering home clash against League Two newcomers Dagenham & Redbridge, and trips to Fisher Athletic, Dover Athletic and Bashley being the pick.

“We’re delighted to have got that,” Walker said of their Daggers date. “We’ve got Fisher, Dagenham and Dover Athletic, three good fixtures for us and we’re away to Bashley, that will be a good test for us a week before the season.”

List in full:

Saturday 21^st July (away) Erith & Belvedere
Tuesday 24^th July (away) Lordswood
Saturday 28^th July (away) Fisher Athletic
Thursday 2^nd August (HOME) DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Saturday 4^th August (away) VCD Athletic
Tuesday 7^th August (away) Dover Athletic
Saturday 11^th August (away) Bashley
Tuesday 14^th August (away) Bly Spartans

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