Miles "frustrated" as Stones prise away his best player - EXCLUSIVE

Maidstone United, the side at the foot of the Ryman Premier League table, have completed the signing of influential midfielder, Darren Smith, 30, from their Ryman League Division One South neighbours, Chatham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

Smith, who signed for Chatham Town in March 2006 from Tonbridge Angels, has also played for Sittingbourne, Gravesend & Northfleet and Eastbourne Borough, has found a rich vein of form so far this season, and the set-piece taker’s departure from Maidstone Road “frustrates” his former manager, Phil Miles.

Breaking the news EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning, Miles said: “It does happen quite a bit to us. A player shows a bit of form, other clubs become aware.

“The reason Darren’s leaving, he wants to give it a go at a higher level. That is one of the main reason’s that he has left.

“Obviously financially we couldn’t compete with what was offered, but that’s the way the game works.”

Smith, whose scored five goals so far this season, becomes one of many players that have been prised away from the Medway club.

“Unfortunately we can’t have all our players on contract,” explained Miles. “We’re not in the financial position to do that.

“We’ve got some players on contract, but we’d like to have everyone on a contract, but it’s just not possible. You’re going to end up losing some players to other sides.

“We wish him all the best. He’s had a great start for us, he’s been club captain, he was liked all around the changing room, by the club, the supporters and the committee, and it will be difficult to replace him at the moment.”

The Stones, who have lost five of their opening six league games this season, submitted a “seven-day approach” for the player last week.

“Everything was done correct, they put seven days in last week,” revealed the Chats boss.

“We’ve had a great start this year and Darren’s been part of that and because he’s had good form, Darren knows the management and players at Maidstone, and they know his a good player.

“He’s saying he’s at the age to give it a go to play at a higher standard.

“Obviously Maidstone’s result wise are struggling at the moment and I can understand they need to make changes.

“The smaller clubs lose all their best players, Darren was really enjoying it at Chatham, scoring goals and playing well, yet they still managed to attract him away from us.

“Lloyd Hume (the Maidstone joint-manager) has got to change things as it’s a results business and he needs to change it around quickly. I’m sure Darren is not the only player (they’re going to sign).

“Unfortunately we’ve lost our best player. We’ve left the door open for him. I’ve got no gripes, he’s welcome back at any time.

“I’ve been speaking to him for four days non-stop. He was really confused and didn’t know what he’s doing.

“It’s disappointing but we’ve got to get on with it. I’ve still got players in the squad, we’ve got a bigger and better squad than last year.

“We’ve got players that can play in Darren’s position but it’s not ideal losing your best player in the beginning of September.”

Chatham Town’s 4-1 win at Ringmer has earned them a lucrative FA Cup first qualifying round clash against Ryman Premier League side Margate on 15^th September.

“That was the big carrot for us as we knew the winner of that game would get Margate at home,” beamed Miles, who misses that game as he’s going into hospital for his back operation.

“It’s a Kent derby, we’re hoping for a big crowd and hopefully we will get a few through the gate and maybe upset (them) and hopefully get through the next round.

“It would be nice to get through. We’ve not really had much of a cup run since I’ve been at the club as a player or a manager. We always seem to fall at the early stages.

“I’m in hospital that week for the operation on my back. I’m going in on Wednesday and I will be in for five days. It will be Steve Best and Alan Collins in charge that day.”

Miles will assess the fitness of Shane Suter (knee ligaments) and Gavin Schulz (ankle) at training tonight to see if they’ll be fit enough for their trip to Eastbourne Town on Saturday.

“It will be nice to get Shane Suter and Gavin Schulz back because Gavin hasn’t played a league game yet (this season) and Shane’s only played the one game, so we will be a lot stronger when these two boys come back,” said Miles.

“Shane’s coming up training tonight and he’s getting treatment. He’s been out for three weeks already so in a couple of weeks, he should be ok.

“I’m hoping Gavin will be part of the squad Saturday, if not, I’ll chuck him in the reserves.”

And on the game itself, Miles hopes Smith’s departure won’t affect his players.

He said: “We’ve got a bit of a downside of losing Smudger but hopefully we can push on."

Visit Chatham Town’s website:  www.chathamtownfc.net

Eastbourne Town v Chatham Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 8^th September 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Saffrons, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1EA