Stevenage prise Kevin Lokko away from Maidstone United: Kevin always wanted to get back into the Football League someday but neither of us expected it to be here and now, admits Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED have sold central defender Kevin Lokko, 21, to Stevenage.

The League Two outfit tabled a bid for Lokko on Monday, which triggered a release clause in his contact.  After talks and a medical yesterday, he had been offered a deal for the new season.

Lokko signed for the Stones a year ago and made 46 appearances in all competitions during his debut season. His performances caught the eye of England C boss Paul Fairclough, who selected him for games against Panjab FA and Jersey FA at the end of May.

Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “Kevin always wanted to get back into the Football League someday but neither of us expected it to be here and now – the whole thing moved very quickly in 24 hours.

“Like ourselves, many will be surprised by the timing of this but Kevin’s attracted a lot of interest in recent months and I can more than understand why a League club would take a punt on him.  We of course wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts during last season.

“Supporters will be aware that I was in the market for a centre half anyway and I am close to bringing one, possibly two, in before the weekend.”

Lokko’s football career began with a scholarship at Norwich City before turning professional with Colchester United.  He spent a season with Welling United before playing for his second Kent club.

Maidstone United kick-off their Vanarama National League campaign on Saturday against newly-promoted Maidenhead United (15:00).

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