Maidstone United pull off transfer coup by capturing high-rated Sam Corne

MAIDSTONE UNITED have pulled off a summer transfer coup by grabbing the highly-rated Sam Corne on a one-year deal.

It’s a return to full-time football for the 22-year-old who in the last couple of seasons played for Greenwich Borough and Ashford United – scoring 21 goals in 40 games for the Nuts & Bolts – while focusing on his football coaching qualifications while playing part-time in the Isthmian League.

His senior career started with Welling United in 2013 and after four seasons at Park View Road, he signed for Braintree Town and worked under Stones head coach Hakan Hayrettin.

During his time at Welling the midfielder got an England C call-up and attracted interest from League clubs.

 “I know Hakan from my time at Braintree and he spoke to me about coming across to be part of getting the club back where it should be,” Corne told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“I am glad to get the deal over the line and looking forward to getting back out there with such an ambitious club.

“I got my first chance at Welling and played there for four seasons in Conference Prem. Highlights from my time there were scoring a goal during a live BT game and getting picked for England C.

“I moved to Braintree and then began concentrating on coaching. With that commitment, I kept up playing at Greenwich and then at Ashford last season but now I am pleased to be back at this level and hoping to push myself on.”

DULWICH HAMLET have unveiled the signing of former Gillingham central midfielder Ben Chapman, 20.  The Vanarama National League South club have paid for the transfer by supporters' donations.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have signed striker Gozie Ugwu, 26, for the third time, having played for their Vanarama National League rivals Chesterfield last season.