We'll hold our own in new league," says Martin - EXCLUSIVE

Welshman Andy Martin turned down a move to Blue Square Southern club Welling United, to play for Alan Walker at Maidstone United, writes Stephen McCartney.

Martin, who played for Kent sides, Tonbridge Angels and Cray Wanderers last season, played 45 minutes for the Wings during their 1-0 win at Folkestone Invicta just over two weeks ago.

And Martin scored the Stones’ only goal during their farcical 3-1 defeat at Fisher Athletic on Saturday, the game that finished nine-a-side at Champion Hill.

Martin, who played in a central midfield role, instead of as a striker, is looking forward to Thursday’s game at Bourne Park, against Coca Cola League Two club, Dagenham & Rebridge.

“It will be an excellent game,” Martin predicted in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

"I know their fitness coach over there personally quite well and he’s told me that they’re going to bring their first-team over.

“It will be very interesting, but the way we’re playing at the moment, I think we’ve done really well, beating Thurrock, I think we’ve more than held our own against a very good Fisher side, eventually losing 3-1.

“But I think Thursday will be interesting and gearing up for our first (league) game of the season.”

Maidstone United, who have clinched back-to-back titles, embark on their Ryman Premier League campaign against Horsham at Bourne Park on 18^th August.

And he’s confident that the Stones can become an established side in their new surroundings.

“I think we’ve got a good spine down the side, and like I say, in the matches we’ve played, we’ve proved we’re more than just a fit side,” said Martin.

“We can play at times and I think we’ll more than hold our own in this league this year.”

Looking ahead to their opening day clash against the Hornets, Martin wants the club to get off to a flying start.

“That will be a tough game,” he warned. “I’ve played against Horsham a number of times in Ryman One and the Ryman Premier (for Tonbridge Angels) last year.

“They’re a very good footballing side, so it will be a tough opener.

“No doubt it will be about 30 degrees on the opening day of the season, it always is, but it’s one to look forward to and hopefully we’ll win our first game and kick-on from there.”

Martin explained that Walker was the main reason why he opted to sign for the Stones.

“He’s a good reason why I came and I just want to play for him, for his club, do well, and hopefully achieve something.

“I’ve set myself high expectations and want to meet them, and as a team and as a club.

“I can see no reason why mid-table is not achievable and kicking on from there, maybe even play-off’s, if we do really, really well.

“But obviously we need a bit of luck on your side, you need you’re players fit and not suspended, but yes, we’re fighting for midtable.”

Jimmy Strouts, whose won back-to-back Kent League titles, with Maidstone United and Whitstable Town, is also looking forward to the new season.

The player-coach said: “Aspirations are obviously to go as far as we possibly can. Everyone is quite level headed, sensible and their feet on the ground.

“We don’t expect to go on and win our third championship but then you can never say die really - mid-table will be nice.”

On squad numbers, Strouts added: “We’ve got quite a small squad, but the squad that we have got, up to 15, 16 quality players, we can more than deal with what’s coming ahead.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website:

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v Dagenham & Redbridge
Pre-Season Friendly
Thursday 2nd August 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Complex, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB