Strouts: I wanted to finish my career with Stones

Jimmy Strouts has revealed that he wanted to finish his career at Ryman League Division One South club Maidstone United.

The experienced midfielder was released after the Stones 3-0 win over landlords Sittingbourne in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup last Tuesday.

The former Dover Athletic midfielder came on as a 57^th minute substitute in what turned out to be his final appearance for the club.

Strouts issued the following statement to Maidstone United’s official website www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

He said: “I just want to say that since Tuesday when I was informed of the club’s decision it has not been the easiest thing to accept, especially after playing that evening.

“Suffering two injuries early on in the season has not helped my cause and although I am over them now Tuesday’s news was still a real shock.

“But unfortunately the axe had to be swung because the club needs money, although I am not sure my weekly wage would even pay for a brickies one day wage! (contrary to popular belief).

“I would just like to say thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to play and coach at Maidstone United Football Club over the last three years, it’s been a bit of journey.

“I was hoping to play out my career at Maidstone United, helping Lloyd (Hume) and Alan (Walker) in some capacity, and I am hoping that I did that, and after receiving numerous messages of thanks and good luck, I am sitting back thinking about the decision made, and the fact that this “young whipper snapper” definitely has one or two seasons more left in him!

“On the record I would just like to say that Lloyd and Alan are performing miracles under trying circumstances, knowing that they want to build for the future made this decision very difficult for them but I know they and the players want Maidstone United to do well, it is a huge club.

“This in mind you have to make commitments on and off the field which are very demanding on players and staff.

“These sacrifices are what makes this club grow and you need to be professional about it, I just hope my professionalism will not be missed.

“Just a few words before I leave.  I would like to thank the fans; they have always been behind the team 100%. The fan base has always inspired the team and I have no doubt that without them Maidstone United Football Club would not have had the success it has had to date, thank you, may long it continue.

“The background staff, chairman, director’s, secretaries, I hope all the sacrifices work out and you get your stadium, I don’t agree or care to understand some of your methods but I do hope you get what the club, fans, players and management really deserves.

“You never know I may get to play at the new stadium yet … just not for Maidstone”

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