25thaug03

Maidstone win battle to sign Lamb
Go Travel Kent League club Maidstone United announced a major new signing just before the start of the new season and the departure of one of their stalwarts.

Maidstone boss Jim Ward secured the signature of experienced defender Paul Lamb, who was recently released by Nationwide Conference side Margate.

Lamb, 30, opted to join the Stones despite a number of clubs around Kent being interested in securing his services.

Formerly with Ramsgate and Dartford, Lamb had been with 'Gate since joining from Gravesend & Northfleet in July 1997 and shared a number of honours along with way, including, of course, promotion to the Conference.

Ward was naturally delighted to secure the signature of Lamb, who has signed a one-year contract: "He's a major signing for this club and can play in the middle of midfield or in defence. The chairman has backed me 100% with this signing and it shows players around Kent that we mean business and that we can attract quality players to this club."

Ward was also pleased to have signed promising youngsters Mark Horan and Elliot Bradbrook on three-year contracts, securing their long-term futures with the club.

However, defender Steve Coatham has decided to leave the club after speaking to Ward on Wednesday night.

Coatham, whom signed for the Stones from Erith & Belvedere in the summer of 2001, has recently been the subject of a seven-day notice of approach from league rivals Greenwich Borough.

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk