Maidstone United appoint Jack Parkinson as their under 21 manager

Monday 15th July 2013

MAIDSTONE UNITED have appointed Jack Parkinson to manage their under 21 team this season.

At the age of 21, Parkinson became the youngest UEFA A Licence coach in the south-east.

The highly-rated defender or central midfielder started his career in the Tonbridge Angels youth-team before signing for Kent League side VCD Athletic.

He joined Welling United in 2008 and went on to make over 130 league appearances, captaining the Wings for the last two seasons and leading them to the play-off final two seasons ago, but they lost to their Kent rivals Dartford at Princes Park.

The 23-year-old signed for Conference Premier side Woking last summer, making 38 appearances, scoring four goals for the Surrey club.

But Woking will line up against Welling United this season, following the Wings’ promotion after clinching the Conference South title last season.

Maidstone United will be playing Ryman Premier League football again this season after home wins over Folkestone Invicta and Faversham Town secured play-off glory after finishing runners-up to Dulwich Hamlet in the league.

Parkinson, who has previously coached the youngsters at VCD Athletic and Cray Wanderers, will work closely with Maidstone United’s first-team boss Jay Saunders and director of football Bill Williams to identify players who could make the step up to senior semi-professional football, as well as the managers of the Ryman under18 team and the two Kent under 18 teams.

Supporting him will be the management team of Jim Bodle (assistant manager) and Steve Williams (physio).

The majority of the under 21 squad will be made up of players from the Maidstone United Academy. In their first season at the Gallagher Stadium, the academy sides won four league titles and three cup competitions.

Parkinson told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “It’s a great opportunity to help some of the lads take the next step into men’s football. We’ve got some real quality at the academy, along with a very strong intake for next season. I will be working closely with Jim Bodle on day-to day team matters and with Jay Saunders to recommend players for the first team squad.

“Hopefully we can repeat the success of last season when several boys made first team appearances and I am pleased that five are currently taking part in pre-season.”

The fixtures for the Ryman under 21 league will be announced shortly. Maidstone’s division includes Chatham Town, Thamesmead Town and Tonbridge Angels.

Ryman under 21 and under 18 matches will be played at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday evenings.

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