My honesty cost me my place with Stones, admits Royston - EXCLUSIVE

Heroic defender Ryan Royston understands why he’s been released by Ryman Premier League newcomers Maidstone United - but revealed today he’s listening to offers from FOUR clubs, writes Stephen McCartney.

The big central defender, 25,will forever live in the hearts of Stones fans, as his two headed goals at Walton Casuals on the final day of last season helped secured the Ryman League Division One South title for the club.

Stones joint-manager Alan Walker announced at last night’s championship winning party in the county town that Royston has left the club, and that Ben Lewis, whose signed from Blue Square Southern outfit Welling United, is his replacement.

Royston revealed that Blue Square Southern club Fisher Athletic, Ryman Premier League side Ramsgate, and Ryman League Division One South clubs Cray Wanderers and Dover Athletic are interested in signing him.

Royston, a PE Teacher, who resides in Sidcup, explained the reasons behind his departure from Maidstone United.

HERO STATUS:  Ryan Royston scored two headed goals on the final day of last season as Maidstone United clinched the Ryman League Division One South title at Walton Casuals
Photograph courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

“Basically I’m getting married next summer and me and my partner were looking to start a family,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“My parents live in Yorkshire and her mum lives in Paignton, Devon and we were going to move down to Devon just so we had closer family support when we was starting a new family.

“But my partner, whose also a teacher, has got a promotion through work and therefore we decided to stay for the foreseeable future because it made financial sense.

“So I told Walks (Alan Walker) after the game at Walton that I was 95% certain of leaving, and then I rang him back and said that there may be a chance of my partner getting promotion and we might stay.

“He signed Ben Lewis because he wasn’t sure I’d be around or not and therefore the money that would have been earmarked for me in the budget went to Ben Lewis instead and there’s no place for me in the squad, in the budget.

“I understand, it’s football. It’s unfortunate but in hindsight, my honesty about me speaking about leaving has cost me and I’m unable to stay at Maidstone.”

This EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk was interrupted by Ramsgate boss Jim Ward, whose been made away of the central defender’s availability.

Royston is a central defender who comes up for set pieces and powers home his fair share of headed goals - he scored 12 times last season.

“I have spoken to several clubs,” he revealed. “Which one I’m going to go to, I don’t know as yet.”

But he will decide “within the next week or so”, where he’ll be playing his football next season.

“Jim Ward, Andy Hessenthaler is supposedly going to be in touch and I’ve spoken to the chairman at Fisher, their manager is out of the country,” revealed Royston.

“I’ve sat down with Ian Jenkins at Cray yesterday and he’s put down a deal that I’m happy with.

“I haven’t signed it as I’m waiting to see what other clubs are offering.

“It’s so hard to weigh up. Ramsgate and Dover are so far away from where I live but with Hess taking over at Dover, it’s interesting so to speak.

“And one of my best mates, Steffan Ball, whose sat here three meters away laughing at me, is at Ramsgate.”

Royston admitted there are no feelings towards the Stones - and paid tribute to everyone at the club.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with Maidstone United Football Club for a memorable and enjoyable three years representing the club,” he said.

“Primarily, I would like to thank Alan Walker for everything he has done for me over the last five years. I am sure that we will remain friends despite my departure.

“I would also like to thank all of the other officials at the club. Paul for backing us 100%, Lloyd as the second half of the management team, Tim, Mal, Simon as physic’s during my time, Scruffy, Darren Lovell, he does so much; Pete a top kit man and excellent photographer, I could go on.

“The fans have had a trying time of things since the folding of the club and reformation and their support is still unwavering - they should be proud of themselves.

“Finally, the players, who I have shared a lot of time with, on and off the field, over the last few seasons. They too will remain friends, despite no longer being team-mates.”

And despite some set-backs, Royston was proud to have clinched back-to-back league titles - on the last day of the last two seasons.

He said: “My memories of my time at the Stones are unbelievable, which is remarkable to think following that game against Redbridge, after only a handful of games in an amber shirt, I was left with the possibility of never playing again.

“I feel extremely fortunate and also sorry for Peter Overton, who has never quite recovered from his injury in that same game.

“End of the next season and we pipped Beckenham Town to the Kent League title and the scenes at Sevenoaks will stay with me forever.

“A year on and we were at it again winning the league on the last day of the season - two goals on the day and twelve for the season again!

“To everyone associated with the Stones - thanks!”

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

ARTICLE TERMS

www.kentishfootball.co.uk grant permission for Maidstone United Football Club to publish this EXCLUSIVE article on their official club website and match day programme - and the same goes to other Kent football clubs that play in the Ryman League - but please credit the website.

However, as this article is under copyright with www.kentishfootball.co.uk and it’s editor, Stephen McCartney, any newspapers or websites that wish to publish this article must click on CONTACT US to discuss terms.