Walker urges fans to back team and stop criticism

Maidstone United have today confirmed the departure of two players, both for differing reasons.

Former Tonbridge Angels’ star Ray Powell asked to leave the club after discussions with joint-manager Alan Walker this week.

Reacting to the decision, Walker whose side welcome Bury Town to Bourne Park, Sittingbourne in the FA Trophy preliminary round tomorrow, told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk : "I had a long discussion with Ray after Saturday's game about how we could put things right but on Tuesday he phoned to say he could not attend training.

“As far as I'm concerned if a player is being paid to play for a club then he should accept that his expenses will be reduced if he is unable to attend. I explained this but later that evening he responded by asking to leave the club.”

Striker Leroy Huggins has also been released from the Ryman League Division One South club.

"With Leroy Huggins, it has been clear that his fitness levels are way behind the rest of the squad and that showed on Saturday,” said Walker.

With that in mind I explained that we can't afford to keep players who are struggling to stay fit and Leroy has opted to leave the club to work on his fitness with a view to rejoining the club when his fitness levels are at a level where he can cope with Ryman League football.

"In both cases I am disappointed, but at the same time I can't have players who are not 100% committed to playing for Maidstone."

In response to the two departures, the management have moved quickly to put in a 7-day approach for an unamed Ryman Premier League striker and will hear back from him on Wednesday.

But there was positive news from the camp this week with Lynden Rowland, Jimmy Strouts and Errison Ahwen all successfully coming through training and all three will be back in the squad for tomorrow’s game.

Walker said: "The disappointment of losing two players is balanced out by the fact that we have these players back in the squad alongside Craig Roser.

“We have obviously missed Lynden in recent weeks so his return is a big bonus and playing alongside Simon Austin who was arguably the best player last week we still have a formidable striking partnership.

“It's also very pleasing to see Errison available, he has been absolutely awesome in training and he's great to have around the dressing room to lift the players spirits.”

And Walker urges the Stones’ faithful to get behind the team and management team despite recent criticism.

He said: "I can only emphasise to fans that both the management and players are working hard to turn things around and although we may lose games, it only takes a few wins to get the club back in the play-off spots such is the high standard of this league.

“We can certainly play every game with an extra man if we have you as supporters backing us.

“There is no doubt that critical comments made by supporters which have been directed at players does affect them particularly the younger members of the squad, who have been shocked at the level of criticism from their own fans.

“I hope that this will stop, it is not their fault we have been hit by a series of injuries and suspensions which leaves us with a very unsettled squad.

“People must also remember we are still adapting to life at a higher level and that with over 40 games to play, you are always going to hit a bad patch.

“We understand that performances in recent games have been unacceptable, but we do know what needs to be done to put things right.

“We will sign whoever is necessary to take this club forward whether they're from Tonbridge or Timbuktu, and I hope fans can see that what we're doing at the moment is trying to improve the squad and things will get better .

“Myself and Lloyd (Hume) have the track record to succeed at this level and we will do again with Maidstone United."

Other team news and Nick Barnes begins his three match ban this Saturday and the Stones could also be without Kane Rice who has been selected to play for the Kent FA representative side, which has priority over club matches.

The club remain in discussions with the FA to see whether we can withdraw him from the squad.

Finally the club will be providing an update to fans via the Official Website next Wednesday on progress with the new ground together with news from the Chairman regarding his future with the club.

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