Sevenoaks bound Ahwan pleased with messages of support

MAIDSTONE UNITED have formally cancelled the playing contract of popular midfielder/defender Errison Ahwan today by mutual consent.

Ahwan had been with The Stones for just under two seasons since joining from then Kent League rivals Beckenham Town and in that time he played 67 times for the club scoring 13 goals in the process.

Errison made the decision earlier this season to make himself unavailable for selection on Saturday’s due to his religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist (Saturday being treated as their day of worship).

And Ahwan, speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, said today: “That was a very difficult decision to make for me personally. I’d let my faith lapse over the last three or four years and it was beginning to trouble me.

“When we got to around the time that we played Leyton away I was not certain that playing football on Saturday’s was what I should be doing and I had several long discussions with my close friends and family over the issue. They left it up to me to decide though.

“Now that I’ve made the decision I am very happy and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

“I have to thank Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume for their understanding over my circumstances, after all it’s not every day that a player comes along with this type of issue! I’ve also got to thank the Chairman for his support of me over my time at the club and his plans for the future for Maidstone United.

“When I made my announcement I checked the supporters’ message board to see what people’s reaction to my decision was and to be honest I was amazed at how positive and kind the fans were towards me and my situation.

“I was literally left with a lump in my throat at some of the kind comments. Whatever happens from now on, I will always consider Maidstone United as ‘my club.’

“I loved my time with Maidstone and of course winning the league last year was very special indeed. I’d just like to say thanks to everybody at the club.”

Ahwan will continue to play football but not on Saturday’s. His friend of 10 years, Simon Jones, has just taken over the reins at Kent League Sevenoaks Town and Errison will help out with some training at Greatness Park and will also turn out for The Oaks on Easter Monday.

However, The Stones will retain Ahwan’s Ryman’s League registration until the end of the season on a non-contract basis.

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v Chelmsford City
Ryman Premier League
Easter Saturday 22^nd March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB