Walker set to unveil more new signings

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Alan Walker has revealed that he’ll be bringing more new players to the club next week.

The Stones, who escaped the drop from the Ryman Premier League on the last day of the season with a 1-0 win at Folkestone Invicta, have already made five signings, with more following.

Walker explained his plans when speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

He said: “We have had a couple of busy weeks since the end of the season and you will have seen that we have signed Ian Cox (ex-Gillingham), Jay Saunders, James Pinnock (both Margate), Kevin Watson and Roland Edge (both Folkestone Invicta)

“Ian will bring a wealth of experience to the side and he is a very fit boy. He is like me in that we both retired from league football at a similar age and we then wanted to play non-league football.

“I managed to play for another four years after I retired as a professional and I hope that Ian will be able to play for us for at least a couple of years as he is much fitter than I was!

“Everyone who I have spoken to about Ian cannot speak highly enough about him as he is a great lad to have in the dressing room and he has a good attitude as well.

“I think that we have signed arguably Margate’s two best players in James Pinnock and Jay Saunders.

“Jay is a top midfielder at this level and I have been an admirer of James for a few seasons now.

“Roland Edge, like Ian Cox, has played league football. He has suffered a lot with injuries in the past but he is now as fit as he ever will be.

“We also have signed Kevin Watson from Folkestone Invicta. I have been chasing Kevin for a while now and tried to sign him after he left Welling. He is a cultured, quality player and captained the Team Bath side that did well in the FA Cup a few seasons ago.

“We are delighted with all of our signings so far and we were also really pleased to recapture Nathan Paul. Initially, Nathan wanted to try his luck at a higher level but we have managed to persuade him to stay with us.”

Walker, who has released defender Lee Shearer, whilst striker Mo Takaloo has returned to Ramsgate, has also been tying up existing players for next season.

He said: “I think it is also great news that Ben Lewis will be with us again next season. The fans have not seen the best of Ben yet due to his suspensions and back injury but I am glad to report that his back problem has now cleared up and I think that he will be a massive asset for us next season.

“I like to meet the players face to face before we sign any contracts. As a result, I have not yet had an opportunity to meet up with Nick Hegley as we both have been away on holiday. However, we will sit down at some point in the near future for a discussion about next season.

“Finally, we are still very busy talking to players and I hope to announce some news regarding new signings within the next week.”

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk