Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin hoping to strengthen his squad
05:00, 10 January 2022
Maidstone manager Hakan Hayrettin believes the time is right to strengthen his squad.
The Stones are flying high in National South, second to Ebbsfleet on goal difference and eight games unbeaten.
They're in good shape but in the past few days Hayrettin has seen Jermaine McGlashan join Leatherhead as player assistant boss, while Reece Grant hobbled off in the draw at Billericay.
Hayrettin intends to discuss the situation with the board.
“I’ll speak to the owners and see what we can do,” he said. “I’m going to try and add to the squad.
“We’re in a good position and now’s the time to push. That’s what we’ll try and do.”
Hayrettin says McGlashan, who offered options in defence and midfield, will be badly missed.
He offered him the chance to get involved in coaching at Maidstone but the 33-year-old was set on moving into management at Isthmian Premier side Leatherhead.
“I wish him all the best,” said Hayrettin. “Good luck to him. I’m here for him if he needs advice and help and I’ll give him as much as I can.”
Asked what’s in store for McGlashan in management, Hayrettin joked: “Nightmare on Elm Street. It’s tough. If his marriage isn’t over yet, it soon will be!
“We’ll miss him, badly. He’s a great pro and a great lad.
“I’d have given him an opportunity here to get involved in some coaching.
“I had that conversation with him but he’d made his mind up to go. The door’s always open for him here.”
Maidstone are hoping Grant’s ankle injury is nothing too serious.
The striker, who missed the first few months of the season with knee ligament damage, went off minutes after scoring the equaliser at Billericay on Saturday.
“He’s had nothing but bad luck, woeful luck,” said Hayrettin.
“It is what it is. We’ll have to get another one in.”
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