10thdec04

Jobs are safe at Maidstone

FOLLOWING the disappointment of the recent string of poor results and the resultant action from supporters, Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has issued a strong statement to those calling for the removal of the management team and several of the newer players at the Go Travel Kent League Premier Division club.

Speaking to the club's website, he said: "As many of you know Lloyd (Hume) was sent off at Deal Town and whilst the referee was discussing the matter and booking him, there were shouts from a large contingent of our own supporters of "OFF, OFF, OFF."

"In the whole of my time involved with football I have never heard such a thing; it totally degraded this fine club, and sent the wrong signals to our own players and visiting league officials.

"It also seems, as usual, that a large contingent of Maidstone supporters feel that due to our current league position the correct way forward would be to sack our current management duo and that the job should be offered to Terry Cordice, Mal Watkins or even Matt Toms (Whitstable Town manager), and that the highly paid players that Lloyd and Alan (Walker) have brought in should be shown the door, as they do not play for the club, just the money.

"If only you the supporters knew the facts.

"The supporters also feel that the reserves should be playing.

"Let's start with the reserves.  As stated by Terry (Cordice), in his own opinion, only a couple of them could make the step up to the first team squad and benefit the club.

"I believe those have already been involved with the first team.

"Neither Terry Cordice, Mal Watkins nor Matt Toms will be considered for the manager's job - because there is no managerial vacancy."

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Hume and Walker spoke with the first team squad on Wednesday evening to propose potential changes to improve the club's playing fortunes.

The changes, include a revision of the players' wage structure, which has been slashed by 50% until results improve.

Speaking about the changes, coach Walker said: "It must be stressed that it was Lloyd and myself who approached the chairman about cutting the budget as a demonstration of both the management and the players to the club.

"We know results have not been going our way and like any job, we can't expect to be paid for bad results.

"All the players have backed this decision and are staying on at the club to turn things around and I think that just shows the determination and the togetherness of this squad to make sure things improve.

"Our objective still remains the same, to win this league and put us in contention for the promotion play-offs."

The club today announced the arrival of two new players to add to the heavily depleted Stones squad.

Joining from Southern League Division One East landlords' Sittingbourne is midfielder Tom Berry, who can play both central and left midfield, whilst joining from Ryman League Division One side Hastings Untied is winger Peter Taylor.

Hume added: "The squad has been seriously short on numbers because of injuries and their signings help give us more options on the pitch now rather than players having to play out of position.

"Both also join us fully aware of the new wage structure and have agreed to play for no money, once again demonstrating the commitment of players wanting to play for Maidstone United."

Hume is expected to name an unchanged squad with the addition of the two new signings.  Mark Patterson remains confident he'll be available for Saturday's visit of Erith Town, in the Stones last home game before the Christmas break.

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk


Maidstone United v Erith Town
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 11th December 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Sittingbourne FC, Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Sittingbourne