Maidstone United sign goalkeepers Alexis Andre Jr and Lenny Holden on a busy day at the Gallagher Stadium
07:56, 17 July 2024
updated: 07:57, 17 July 2024
Maidstone have moved on from FA Cup hero Lucas Covolan - signing two goalkeepers in one day.
Covolan, man-of-the-match in the Stones’ 2-1 fourth-round victory at Ipswich, was offered a new contract after helping the club to the National League South play-offs.
But the Brazilian is keen to play higher up the pyramid, forcing the Stones to look elsewhere.
They’ve got their new No.1, signing Frenchman Alexis Andre Jr, a 27-year-old who left Woking towards the end of last season.
And they’ve also landed teenager Lenny Holden, who’s just completed a two-year scholarship at Leyton Orient.
Andre Jr, who started his career in England with Bristol Rovers, has also had spells with Folkestone, Dover, Maidenhead, Salisbury and Hashtag United.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Andre Jr told Stones TV.
“I can’t wait to get started and play.
“I’m feeling ready to play every single game here.
“I really enjoy the fact you guys have a big fanbase, a good support, so I love that and it can fully help me to be the best on the pitch with all the fans behind my back helping me to win.”
Holden, 18, came through the youth set-up at Charlton before joining Leyton Orient.
He’s signed for the Stones after impressing on trial.
“I feel like there’s a really exciting project going on here,” he said.
“I felt really welcomed into the club by the players, staff and the fans as well.
“I’ve really enjoyed the style of football we’ve played and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
Holden and Alexis Jr played a half each as Maidstone beat Larkfield & New Hythe 4-0 in a friendly last night.
Riley Court and Ben Brookes were on target, along with two trialists.