Ibby Akanbi has rejected a new deal at Maidstone as problems mount in attack for manager Hakan Hayrettin.

Summer signings Jack Barham and Reece Grant will miss the start of the season after suffering knee ligament injuries.

Barham is expected to be out for between four and six weeks, while Grant was due to have a scan yesterday.

Hayrettin had asked Akanbi to prove his fitness after struggling last season but, having done that, he’s walked away.

The Stones boss said: “Akanbi had an injury last year, which he got over, but maybe because of the time he was out, and also Covid, which affects people mentally and psychologically in different ways, his attitude wasn’t right.

“He wasn’t the same person I knew and we didn’t see the best of him.

“I said to him, ‘If you come back, get yourself fit and do well, and we see a change in attitude, we can sit down and do a deal.’

“To his credit, he did that but I believe he’s chosen pastures new and he’s gone.

“I haven’t spoken to him since the Chatham game last week.

“I phoned him and offered a deal, he refused that deal and he’s looking elsewhere.

“I still maintain we as a club did the right thing by making sure he was fit before offering him a deal.

“I always said I wanted four strikers, and he would have been one of the four, but he’s decided to go.”

Alfie Pavey is Maidstone’s only fit striker following injuries to Barham and Grant, and it’s a concern for Hayrettin.

He said: “We’ve got two major injuries to two centre-forwards, which has put us behind.

“Barham’s four to six weeks with medial ligament damage and we’re waiting on Grant’s scan, which is lateral ligaments, but it’s killed us losing those two.

“We’ve got a little bit of budget to play with but it’s difficult to sign centre-forwards.

“Our recruitment’s been good but if you buy a car and something’s missing, it’s not going to start.

“We missed two weeks, and three games, with Covid as well, so we’ve got a bit to do.

“I don’t know how that will affect us long-term but we’re doing everything right, we’re looking at minutes and the loads we’re giving the players, to make sure we’re ready.

“It’s a united group, they’re together, and I keep telling them if the team does well the individual will flourish.”

Maidstone won 2-1 at Hythe last Thursday, through Tushaun Walters and a late own goal.

They beat Charlton under-23s 4-2 on Saturday, Regan Booty, Sam Corne, Christie Pattisson and Pavey (penalty) with the goals.

They go to East Thurrock tonight and complete pre-season at Folkestone on Saturday.

While preparation is one thing, a major plus for Hayrettin has been the return of fans.

He said: “I want them to know it’s not been the same without them.

“I hope all our fans and their families are safe and well because I know this pandemic has affected people in so many different ways.

“I want to say a big thank you to them for sticking by us, the messages of support were unbelievable and the reaction from the supporters when I walked out on Saturday was really nice. Long may that continue.

“If this journey we’re on is going to work, it’ll need the supporters there with us.”

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