Adam Birchall signs for home-town club Maidstone United

MAIDSTONE UNITED have signed striker Adam Birchall on a season-long loan from Bromley.

The deal sees the 30-year-old join his hometown club after a 20-year career that started as a youth with Arsenal. He progressed with the Gunners becoming a professional during the era of Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.

There then followed moves to Wycombe Wanderers, Mansfield Town and Barnet.

In 2009 he joined Dover Athletic and his 49 goals in 76 appearances attracted interest from league clubs and it was Gillingham who secured his signature.

Birchall picked up a serious injury in his first pre-season and missed the 2011/12 campaign. After his release from Priestfield in 2014, he joined Bromley and was part of last season’s Conference South championship-winning side.

Manager Jay Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “It’s good to get the deal done. I’ve been looking to bring in a few and Birch brings a lot of experience to the side.

“He can play up top, off the front man or out wide in a 4-3-3 – so gives us plenty of options.

“He had offers from clubs in the National League but as a local lad he wanted to join us and is eager to get started.”

Meanwhile, midfielder James Rogers has left Maidstone United to join Ryman League Division One South side Folkestone Invicta on a one-month deal.

Rogers, who made more than 50 appearances for Maidstone United last season, will be at Cheriton Road for six league games.

Saunders added: “Rogo was a really important player in last season’s squad and is very much part of my plans for this one.

“He needs games though and there’s an opportunity to have a good run at a club that’s top of the league.”

Rogers will return to The Stones ahead of the trip to Ebbsfleet United, in the Vanarama National League on Saturday 3 October.

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