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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin won't let back-to-back wins change his thinking on new signings

05:00, 01 September 2022

updated: 08:24, 01 September 2022

Hakan Hayrettin remains committed to strengthening his Maidstone squad.

Back-to-back wins against Torquay and Aldershot have moved the Stones up to 10th place in the National League.

James Alabi's late goal gave Maidstone victory over Torquay. Picture: Steve Terrell
James Alabi's late goal gave Maidstone victory over Torquay. Picture: Steve Terrell

Ten points from six games is a solid start by anyone’s standards, particularly after promotion.

But boss Hayrettin, who said he wanted to make four new signings after the 5-0 thumping at Wrexham, won’t backtrack on his plans.

He brought in the first of those with the addition of defender Kodi Lyons-Foster on a three-month loan deal from Aldershot.

The centre-half made his debut in the 1-0 win over Torquay but had to sit out Monday’s 3-1 victory against his parent club.

More new faces are set to follow despite Hayrettin declaring himself happy with the start.

“We’ve got 10 points from six games - unbelievable,” said the Stones manager.

“People can say what they want but I made a promise to myself and the players that I’m going to be dogmatic, I’m not going to change, I’m not going to change my beliefs and fundamentally the most important thing is they have to work hard.

“We’ve had two good results over the weekend but it’s not going to stop me trying to bring people in. We’ll see what happens.

“I actually believe the majority of the players are good enough.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t have to strengthen. If I’ve got a little bit of leeway to do that, I will.”

Regan Booty's penalty set Maidstone on their way to victory at Aldershot. Picture: Steve Terrell
Regan Booty's penalty set Maidstone on their way to victory at Aldershot. Picture: Steve Terrell

Hayrettin’s National South champions make the long journey to face National North winners Gateshead this weekend.

They’re staying overnight in preparation for Saturday’s game at the International Stadium.

While United are pleased with their start, the Heed are yet to win in six games and are in the bottom four.

“We’re going to go there and try and win the game - we’re not going to sit back,” said Hayrettin.

“I’ve been there many times before, I’ve won there, I’ve drawn there, I’ve lost there, but we have to do the right things.

“We’re a professional football club, I’ve got professional players trying to do the right things, trying to get in that team, so we’ve got to prepare and do the right things. It’s going to be a tough game.

“We’re not going there to make the numbers up and we’re definitely not here to make the numbers up in this league. I’ve said that from day one.

“It’s a long journey. I wasn’t at the last overnighter (Hayrettin travelled to Wrexham on the day of the game) but I’m going to be at this one.”

Winger Roarie Deacon is hoping to be in contention after missing the win at Aldershot with a tight hamstring.

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