I'm making a few new signings to try and turn the tide, says Stones boss Andy Ford

Monday 31st January 2011

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Andy Ford has brought in a couple of new players to assist his bid of getting his side out of the relegation zone, writes Stephen McCartney.

Frenchman, Pierrick Briand, who hasn’t made his mark for Blue Square Bet South side Dover Athletic this season, and fans favourite Nathan Paul, 25, returns from Kent League side Beckenham Town for his third spell with the club.

On the eve of the big home clash against Tonbridge Angels, Ford said: “I brought a couple of lads to look at (during a training session on Saturday).

Speaking about right-back Paul, who played in a whole range of positions for Beckenham Town, the former Welling United boss said: “He is good. I can understand why (he’s a fans favourite), he’s a very, very good right back, quick, strong, everything you need in a right back really.”

Ford explained why he’s brought Briand to the club, on a dual registration deal from Dover Athletic, the central midfielder previously playing for Hayes & Yeading United and for French side AC Arles-Avignon.

He said: “We’ve brought him in from Dover, the French lad. He’s a central midfield player. I’ve brought him in on a non-contract basis. He needs games. He’s been at Dover for a while.

“Jay (Saunders) is out suspended for three games so I’ve brought him in as we need cover for that.”

Ford has also snapped up striker Gary Wharton, who recently played for Dover Athletic in their Kent Senior Cup defeat at Cray Wanderers and comes to the club under strong recommendation, having previously played for the likes of Barnet, Stevenage Borough and Fisher Athletic.

Meanwhile, former Maidstone United pair, defender Peter Hawkins and midfielder Ashley Ulph have re-joined former Stones manager Peter Nott, who has recently taken charge of resurgent Ryman League Division One South side Whitstable Town.

Looking ahead to the showdown against Tommy Warrilow’s in-form Tonbridge Angels, Ford said: “They’re on a roll but I don’t think they will be looking forward to coming down to us so it should be a good game really.”

With his side one of four with only 18 points inside the Ryman Premier League drop zone, Ford added: “We definitely need three points. We’ve got to put a couple of wins back-to-back. We have failed to do (that) so far. That’s what we’ve got to try and do.

“We’ve got some tough fixtures coming up but they’re all tough, especially when you’re at the bottom of the league.

“We’re searching for back-to-back wins, rather than one here and there. It’ the back-to-back wins which I’m really after.

“I’m not happy, we’re not happy, as you can see I’m making a few signings to try and turn the tide.”

Ford hopes both club’s supporters get themselves down to Ashford for the west-Kent crunch game.

He said: “I wish it was on a Saturday really because the gate would have been better from that point of view.

“It’s a big game, it’s the local rivalry, the two nearest clubs, so it should be a good game.”

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

Maidstone United v Tonbridge Angels

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 1st February 2011

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ