Hawkins faces up to life being a semi-pro

Saturday 23rd May 2009

MAIDSTONE UNITED co-manager Alan Walker was delighted to reveal late last night that he has secured the signature of defender Peter Hawkins on a permanent deal.

This follows the signings of goalkeeper Jamie Turner (from Ramsgate) and striker Meshach Nugent this week.

Hawkins had spent three months with Maidstone United last season in a loan spell from Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United, but as with many clubs the country over, significant budget cuts at Stonebridge Road have lead to Fleet manager Liam Daish releasing several senior professionals.

"It's been a difficult time for me as all I've done since I left school is play football," Hawkins told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

"I'm now looking to starting a life away from full-time football and it will take some time getting used to.

"I've had some offers from a couple of other clubs but I really enjoyed my spell with Maidstone last season and Walks has been able to persuade me to stay permanently, which I am more than pleased to be able to do."

Walker was delighted in securing the defender's signature.

He said: "Peter's signing is really important to us as we have obtained a very high quality player.

"It means that we will have a very strong spine to our side next season as we have now secured Jamie Turner (from Ramsgate), Peter Hawkins, Jay Saunders and Meshach Nugent. Add to that Roland Edge, Nathan Paul and James Pinnock and you start to see the quality straight away.

"To say that Lloyd (Hume) and I are happy with Peter's signing is a massive understatement!"

So far, two players have left the Stones, with midfielder Elliott Bradbrook signing for Dartford, and goalkeeper Andy Walker has decided to move on.

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk