Kentish Football 
Money doesn't always bring happiness, says loyal Stones striker Shaun Welford
Scott Porter lodged a seven day approach for the Stones captain two Wednesday’s ago, leaving them free to speak to the player from yesterday.
However, Welford has decided to remain with his hometown club and will be in the squad for Saturday’s home game against Crawley Down Gatwick.
In a statement, which was published on the club’s website www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, Welford said: “Hythe came in with an approach and I’ve listened to what they had to say. There were rumours Hythe were just trying disrupt a promotion rival, but it was an honest approach from Scott Porter, they offered me a very nice deal and they want to get out of this league as much as we do.
“However, I slept on the offer last night, weighed up all up my options and decided that money doesn’t always bring happiness; when you look at the crowds, stadium, players and manager we have here – it outweighs money.
“I did have to consider the offer, I have a young family and the money would be nice, but ultimately I had to make a footballing decision and that was to stay. I’ve been in a similar situation before when I was playing for Dover and enjoying it before accepting an offer from Margate, and in truth it was the worst footballing decision of my life.
“It is forgotten now, I have a job to do here at Maidstone – and we must now focus on getting three points on Saturday and making sure we are lifting the Championship trophy at the end of this season.”
Meanwhile, Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders has brought in Gillingham youngster Josh Hare – son of former Dover Athletic assistant manager Darren – on a work experience loan.
The eighteen-year-old is described as a ball playing central midfielder who is also capable of playing in defence.
The teenager featured on loan for Stones’ league rivals Whitstable Town when Justin Luchford was manager at The Belmont.
He signed professional terms with the Gills back in November.
The Stones missed out on regaining top spot after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Horsham in midweek and they welcome John Maggs’ Crawley Down Gatwick to The Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.
Crawley Down Gatwick are in fourth-place in the table, with 38 points from 22 games – six points behind the Stones.
Meanwhile, Hythe Town have confirmed that they have released American goalkeeper Dean Ruddy after the arrival of Dan Eason from Herne Bay.
Ruddy made his last appearance for the club in their 3-0 defeat to Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town, as Hythe Town lost their defence of the Kent Senior Cup, which they won for the very first time, following wins over Erith Town, Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic and Dartford last season.
Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon dedicated the win to club stalwart Mark Gray, who sadly passed away hours before the game started at Bayliss Avenue.
Eason will make his debut for the club at Tooting & Mitcham United at the weekend and a club statement, which was published on www.hythetownfc.co.uk said: “Hythe Town are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated goalkeeper Dan Eason from Herne Bay.
“Dan is very highly thought of in local football circles and joins us for a fresh challenge after five years of success at the Bay, including many outstanding displays in the clashes between the two clubs for the Kent League championship.
“At the same time and with a heavy heart we must say farewell to our current keeper Dean Ruddy.
“Dean has been a fantastic clubman since joining us just over a year ago and had a fantastic end to last season, culminating with a man-of-the-match display to win us the Kent Senior Cup for the very first time, against Dartford at the Princes Park Stadium.”
Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk
Maidstone United v Crawley Down Gatwick
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 12th January 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LQ
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd