Stones drop Strouts' bombshell

Lloyd Hume, the joint-manager of Ryman League Division One South outfit Maidstone United, has today announced the departure of skipper Jimmy Strouts.

Hume explained why the club has released the former Dover Athletic midfielder as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to much-fancied Leatherhead, a side that were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round by Torquay United last weekend.

Hume told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk  : “We go into Saturday's game at Leatherhead totally expecting to win and to pick up 3 more points. Sadly, we'll still be without our main striker Lynden Rowland. He will travel with us but his calf injury is taking a little longer to recover than we expected.

“The main change for us this week though is that Alan and myself have decided that it is now the right time to release our captain and most experienced player Jimmy Strouts.

“I had a two hour meeting with Jimmy on Wednesday night to discuss the way the club is going. Jimmy fully understood our decision and really seemed to appreciate that we took the time to explain things to him.

“Sadly for Jim, Alan and I now have to cut our financial cloth accordingly and we have to invest in the future as far as players are concerned.

“Budgetary restraints have become necessary at Maidstone United as we prepare to develop the new ground at James Whatman Way and difficult decisions like the one to release Jimmy Strouts are unfortunately going to happen from now on.

“As a player and a motivator in the dressing room, Jim has been absolutely superb for us for over two years now. He's a natural leader and fighter and is a natural role model for younger players on how to prepare for matches and on how to conduct yourself as a man.

“Make no bones about this, releasing Jim is a massive blow to both Alan and myself and ultimately to Maidstone United too.

“However, management is not always easy and I've got to say that this ranks amongst one of the toughest managerial decisions I have had to make to date.

“Everybody at Maidstone United would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jimmy Strouts for his efforts in his time at Maidstone United.

“He has been one of the most popular players to appear for the club in recent years with both supporters, players and officials. To Jimmy we say "Good luck for the future and thank you for all of the great football memories."

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

Leatherhead v Maidstone United
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 18^th November 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Fetcham Grove, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9AS