16thmay05

McCabb suffering with injury setback

MAIDSTONE UNITED midfielder Peter Overton looks like he'll be able to join up with the squad for pre-season training after responding well to treatment for his ongoing ankle problems at the end of the season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Also returning for pre-season training will be Ryan Royston, who looks to have fully recovered from his injury which kept him out for the majority of last season.

However, there was bad news concerning Liam McCabb who missed the entire season through a knee injury.

After going through one operation to deal with a cartlidge problem, he still found he was suffering from bad knee pain and had to return to the specialist last week, who now believes he is suffering from some kind of cartlidge ligament problem.

This means a full operation and he's now back on the waiting list for the operation which he hopes will be within four months.  That does mean he will not be in action this side of Christmas.

Meanwhile, former Stones player Adrian Webster has been handed a chance of an international appearance for New Zealand.

Webster, born in New Zealand and brought up in Australia (hence his nickname "Oz" whilst he was with the Stones) left the club two years ago, and did have trials for Torquay United before returning to Australia.

Coming back to the UK last year he was signed up by Darlington.  Now a regular in the side he has had his contract with the club extended for a further year.

The Stones have announced five away pre-season friendlies in the build up of their Kent League campaign, which gets underway on Saturday 13th August.

They travel to Snodland (23rd July), Folkestone Invicta (26th July), Wessex League side Bournemouth (30th July), landlords Sittingbourne (2nd August) and Aveley (6th July).

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk