Hume offers trialists' one last chance to impress

Wednesday 22nd July 2009

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Lloyd Hume says things will become more serious following tomorrow night’s clash against landlords Ashford Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones haven’t won any of their four pre-season friendlies, including an embarrassing 1-1 draw at Vandanel Kent County League minnows Bly Spartans last night.

But Hume, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, isn’t too concerned about his side’s early pre-season form and insists things will improve from here on in.

“We’re not winning games at the moment, that’s not our priority,” he said. “For us, it’s more a case of getting people fit, looking at different formations and looking at trialists’ and see if we can fit them in and if they’re right for us.

“It becomes a little more serious for us after Thursday in terms of results.”

After the Homelands showdown, the Stones travel to Chatham Town (28 July), Winchester City (1 August), play at home to Grays Athletic (4 August) before completing their pre-season programme away to Ramsgate (8 August).

“The Ashford game is the last game really where we’re going to tinker and after that we need to make decisions,” said Hume.

“We’re going to Bournemouth the week after and we pretty much want our squad finalised by then, but there’s always going to be one or two people.”

One player that has certainly impressed during pre-season is defender Tom Parkinson, who has been snapped up following impressive displays at the heart of defence.

Hume said: “The only person who I would really say has stood out this year so far is Tom Parkinson.

“Lots of other people have done well - Keelan (Mooney) and (Dan) Stubbs have come in as trailists and Jimmy Bottle has done well but we’re looking at a number of them.

“Someone who has exceeded expectations will be Tom Parkinson at the back for us. He’s a very clever centre half, so on that basis he’s someone who has shown he’s a good defender. He can cope with the physical aspects of the game and is very comfortable on the ball - he’s given us good problems.”

The Stones begin their Ryman Premier League campaign by welcoming Carshalton Athletic to Homelands Stadium on Saturday, 15th August, before travelling to newly promoted side Waltham Abbey three days later.

“It’s going to be a tough week,” warned Hume. “I would probably suggest that Carshalton would be one of the favourites for the title (as) they’re spending a lot of money.

“Waltham Abbey have been promoted into the league and they’ll be full of beans and expecting to do very well.

“Everyone wants to get off to a good start (but) one of our weaknesses for us against Carshalton are the (three) suspensions that we’ve got.”

Left-winger Jimmy Bottle, meanwhile, is expected to face his former side tomorrow night.

Hume added: “He’s with us at the moment. He’s very much on trial. He’s impressed us and we’ll be talking to him in the next week.”

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

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Maidstone United v Ashford Town

Pre-Season Friendly

Thursday 23rd July 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

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