Hume and Walker "join forces" at Maidstone United

Monday 22nd May 2006

Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has announced that Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume will jointly manage the first team next season.

Hume has been in charge of the team for two seasons, with Walker overseeing coaching duties.

By joining forces Mr Bowden-Brown believes it will offer the newly promoted team the best possible start: "They are both talented individuals and work together really well,” he said. “By combining their strengths I think it will offer real leadership to the players as they face the challenge of a higher league."

Walker commented: "Lloyd and I have worked together for many years and are totally committed to Maidstone United Football Club, as are all the coaching staff.

”It's going to be an exciting season for everyone at the club and as a champion side I hope we'll hit the ground running and make our mark in the league." Hume added: “Consolidation is what we will be looking for in this our first season and a mid table finish would be OK.

”Although in saying that, our personal expectations will always be to win whatever league we are competing in.”

Maidstone United won the Kent League and cup double last season and have secured promotion to the Ryman League Division One South. Next season there will be a host of mouth-watering local derbies against Ashford Town, Chatham Town, Cray Wanderers, Dartford, Dover Athletic and Sittingbourne.

The Stones will play Beckenham Town in the Kent League Challenge Shield on Saturday 5^th August.

They travel to Hythe Town (Saturday, 15^th July), Thamesmead Town (Tuesday, 18^th July), Bournemouth (Saturday, 22^nd July), Folkestone Invicta (Monday, 31^st July) and Lordswood (Thursday, 3^rd August) for pre-season friendlies.

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk