Maidstone boss Hakan Hayrettin has arranged an open training session as the club prepare to welcome back supporters.

Stones fans have been locked out of the Gallagher Stadium since March 7 last year - a 3-1 win over Welling - due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With restrictions easing they’re allowed back - in limited numbers to start with - and Hayrettin is keen for them to build a rapport with his new-look squad.

The open training session takes place this Saturday (10.30am-1pm).

Entry is free but supporters must register via the club website.

“For me, it’s very important,” Hayrettin told Stones TV.

“As a player I tried to show the supporters that I cared, that I wanted to be at a certain place. My management is no different to that.

“Win, lose or draw, we’ve got to thank the supporters for being there.

“We want the interaction with the support, we want to show the supporters as much as they are there for us, we want to be there for them, and it’s just a little bit of appreciation.

“We’d like to welcome as many supporters as possible and they can take a close look at what we’re trying to do.”

Hayrettin has been busy in the transfer market, signing 10 new players, and he’s not done yet.

Ability is one thing but Hayrettin has also been careful to get the right personalities through the door.

He said: “If the supporters take you to their hearts and you can show the willingness to work hard, with and without the ball, you’re going to be on to a winner.

"If you show that, especially with the support we’ve got, then we’re going to have some good times here.

“The players I’ve tried to bring in, their personalities and character have to be as important as their ability.

“Recruitment is key to everything you do and I’ve tried to assemble a squad that’s going to make Maidstone United a happy place to be.”

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