Maidstone United re-sign defender Seth Nana Twumasi: I can see this club going places and I want to be part of that

MAIDSTONE UNITED manager Jay Saunders has made Delano Sam-Yorke his first summer signing.

Sam-Yorke is a familiar face having played on loan for the club between January and March, where he made eight appearances and scored three goals.

The 28-year-old striker began his career at Woking and has Football League experience with Cambridge United and in recent seasons has played for Lincoln City, Forest Green Rovers and Boreham Wood.

Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “I am very pleased to get this deal done.  After the season ended we made contact and he was keen to come back.  At the time the loan ended we were keen to keep him but he went back to Woking and carried on his good form with them.

“He was a big part of turning us round when we started out on that run and it was disappointing to lose him at that time.

“I am looking forward to having him here for pre-season and getting a full season out of him too.”

Sam-Yorke added: “After my loan finished this was always a club I wanted to come back to.  I enjoyed my time here – all the lads, management and fans were great and I am happy to be back.”

Defender Seth Nana Twumasi has re-signed for the club.  He made his Stones debut last September in the opening round of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup and went on to make 30 appearances.

Initially signed on a non-contract basis, he agreed a deal in January to take him through until the end of the season and has extended his stay for the whole of next season.

The defender told the club website: “I came in for one game but they say everything happens for a reason. It turned out to be something I’ve really enjoyed and I am glad it happened. I can see this club going places and I want to be part of that.

“If we can keep the group of lads together that finished the season, we’ve got a good chance to kick on next season and I’d like to see us aim for play-offs.”

Saunders added: “Seth made a big difference when he arrived last autumn.  I didn’t want to lose that experience out of the side, so I am very pleased to get this deal over the line. There’s more to come form him and I am sure we’ll see that with the move to daytime training from the summer.”

After three years and nearly 100 appearances, Jamie Coyle has played his last game for the club due to the change in training timings.

As well as being a regular in central defender, Coyle had a dual role of player-coach alongside Saunders and Nicky Southall.

His performances during the National League South promotion winning campaign saw him voted the Supporters’ player-of-the-season for 2015-16.

He combined his first team duties with a role as coach and tutor at Maidstone United’s Academy and will remain with the club in that capacity.

Saunders said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Coyley. His presence on and off the pitch had a massive influence in where the club is today.  The experience, organisation and calmness he brought to the team during the past two seasons are a major factor in the success and stability we’ve had.

“The season just gone was a demanding one and with the change in training starting in the summer, I respect his decision to look elsewhere and I am sure it won’t be long before another club snaps him up.”

Another defender, Anthony Acheampong, has also left the club after making 25 appearances for the club after arriving from Ebbsfleet United last summer.

Saunders added: “Ach is a top lad and I want to thank him for his contribution this season. He played a big part in keeping us in the league. He’s a great character and all the boys will join me in wishing him every success in the future.”

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