We have a number of excellent youngsters at this club, says Stones youth boss - EXCLUSIVE

Maidstone United’s youth team manager Tony Cornwell believes he has a number of gems that are good enough to play in the Ryman Premier League next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Last season Cornwell, 47, led the Stones under 18’s (Central) to the Kent Youth League title and also retained the silverware that was up for grabs at an international football tournament in Holland.

“Alongside Peter Nott, we had an extremely successful campaign managing the under 18’s (central) and reserves last season,” Cornwell said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk. 

“The under 18’s central team won the league by twelve clear points and retained the International Tournament in VV. Kamerik in Holland at the end of the season.

“The newly formed reserve side, with a very, very young playing staff in 2007, recorded a fantastic sequence of results - after a shaky start.

“In their final 13 games, they recorded 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat, and eventually finished a highly creditable fourth place in the Kent League Division One table in their first season.”

Cornwell, a director of a Plastering and Drylining firm, pointed out his highs and lows of last season.

He said: “The obvious high of last season was winning the under 18 Central League title, and winning it so convincingly was very pleasing.

“However, a few minor lows were losing in the Kent Cup semi-final and losing on penalties in the John Ullman and FA Youth Cups, as I felt we could have progressed further in all three competitions.

“Without doubt the major blow of last season was the loss of England Schoolboy International Sam (Billy) Morrison to a broken leg on the night we secured the title away to Sevenoaks Town.”

And Morrison is one of a handful of players that Cornwell feels can make the jump into the Ryman Premier League.

“The youth programme at Maidstone United have developed immensely in the past four years and the first team management and club chairman, together with the hard-core supporters have witnessed the progression of several young players that have now featured and gained some first-team match experience,” said Cornwell.

“We have a number of excellent youngsters at this club, especially at 17 and 18 years of age, many of which are capable of progressing into high levels within the football pyramid.

“It is difficult and maybe unfair to be naming individuals, but if I were a betting man I would certainly invest in a penny or two on Chris Smalling and Ashley Ulph progressing in the future to at least first team level.”

Maidstone United have joined their local rivals Tonbridge Angels in the newly formed Ryman Youth League next season - the only Kent clubs to do so.

“The introduction of the Ryman Youth League I feel will help bridge the gap between youth and reserve team football and playing in the Ryman Premier League,” said Cornwell.

“With careful coaching and with many of the progressing youngsters at the club now training with the first-team squad, a successful progression is firmly in place.

“Generally, my own personal aspirations for the new season are to continue the development of the under 18 and reserve players that I am involved with at Maidstone United and hopefully progress and make these players ready to make the step-up into higher levels of football, ultimately for Maidstone United and beyond if possible.”

And Cornwell cannot wait for the club’s eagerly-awaited homecoming - the club’s reserve and youth sides are dotted around the local area at venues at Aylesford, Larkfield and Headcorn.

“My personal views regarding the club’s exile from the town is the sooner they get back the better,” he said.

“To once have a Football League status club in the town to then having nothing, was criminal.

“However, hats off to those that have rebuilt this club against all odds and with very little assistance, as they have put Maidstone United back playing in high levels of non-league football and soon hopefully back in the county town of Kent.”

Cornwell believes first-team managers Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker will bring more success to the club.

He said: “The Ryman Premier will be a tough examination next season for the lads but the squad has improved and has been strengthened with Lloyd and Alan at the helm.

“I would envisage at least a top half league position - if not higher.

“The injury to Walks was a real shock, and a worrying time I am sure for his family and close friends.

“According to all reports, his operation was a complete success and he is responding well and on the recovery trail.

“From my coaching experiences I know Walks is as hard as nails and he will be working hard to get back to full fitness as soon as possible, and everyone at the club wish him well for a speedy recovery.”

Reflecting on his own career, Maidstone resident Cornwell, said: “Personally I had a long playing career, eventually retiring in my 40’s, following a broken leg.

“My highest level achieved was playing for Canterbury City in the Southern League in the early 80’s under former Gillingham striker Bryan Yeo, but I also had spells playing for Faversham Town, Tunbridge Wells and Whitstable Town in the Kent League.

“Probably, however, my most enjoyable times were playing for my local team Oakwood in the Kent Amateur League, managed by former Gills full-back Tony Weston, where we were highly successful, winning many trophies, including the Sevenoaks Charity Shield five times.

“I did not get into coaching until after my playing career had virtually ended and managed Oakwood for a season as player-manager before getting involved with youth football with Vinters Park.

“I completed my level one and two coaching badges and managed Vinters Park under 12’s and 13’s before joining Maidstone United and managed sides at under 14, 15, 16 and last season at under 18 and reserve levels.”

Cornwell is inviting players for trails for next season’s under 18’s side - he can be contacted on 07708 202 743. Please mention www.kentishfootball.co.uk when calling him.

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