Returning to Stones was a no-brainer, says Royston

FORMER Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate defender Ryan Royston, 28, says he is delighted to have returned to Maidstone United after two seasons away from the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The big central defender was released by relegation threatened Ramsgate on Monday, saying, “Jim Ward rang me on Monday morning, asking me to find another club due to budget cuts.

“He said he had just come out of a meeting with the chairman and that wages would have to be slashed.

“He explained he was ringing to let me know so that I could find another club before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.”

With interest from Ryman One South side Whyteleafe amongst others, Royston was quickly in contact with Stones joint-managers Lloyd Hume and Alan walker and he has agreed to sign for the club for the remained of the season.

“We’re obviously delighted he is able to come back to the club, as we never really wanted him to leave in the first place,” Walker told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“Most people know that at the end of our first season in the Ryman League, Ryan had informed us he was relocating so we had to replace him, but when his plans changed, sadly, having already signed a replacement, we didn’t’ have the budget to bring him back.

“But when he informed us he had been released by Ramsgate, we were obviously delighted that we could bring him back to the club.”

Royston, also speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk a couple of days ago, is delighted to be back with the club, having played in the Stones’ Kent League championship winning side, and scoring the two goals that clinched the Ryman League Division One South title twelve months later.

He said: “When Walks responded to say they wanted me back at the club, despite having several offers from other clubs, it was really a no-brainer, especially with Sevenoaks and Walton (Casuals) being two of the best days of my life (following getting married of course, darling).

“To score twice on the last day of the season to win the league two years on the spin - unbelievable. “

Royston, who started this season with highflying Ryman One South side Cray Wanderers, was disappointed to have been in a struggling team at Ramsgate.

“I’m obviously disappointed that I have had to leave Ramsgate, particularly as they haven’t had the success we hoped we could have achieved, but obviously delighted at the same time to be able to come back to Maidstone,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to pulling on the amber number 6 shirt again (if selected and I can get my hands back on my number) and it could be a tough debut and I can’t wait!

“I’ve also just spoken to my Dad and he’s going to drive down from Yorkshire to watch. It’s all very exciting and I just want to play now.”

In other Maidstone United news, Taylor Sinfield has been released, due to limited first team opportunities.

The Stones, tenth in the Ryman Premier League, travel to play a Carshalton Athletic side on Saturday that are fifth in the table - nine points clear of the Kent club.

Quotes courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Carshalton Athletic v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 28^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PN