How Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin kept his spirits up during isolation

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 21 December 2020

Updated: 12:56, 23 December 2020

Hakan Hayrettin cheered himself up during isolation by dining in style.

Maidstone had to stay indoors for 10 days - reduced from 14 after a change in government guidelines - following two positive Covid tests in the camp.

Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin Picture: Steve Terrell

Hayrettin spent his isolation away from his partner and her elderly mother and decided to treat himself to pass the time.

“I’ve had loads of time away from the missus,” said the Stones boss.

“I’ve had nothing to do with her, she kicked me out the house because her mum’s 84, so I was having steak and red wine every night!”

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While Hayrettin was able to indulge, the squad kept themselves fit at home before returning to training at the end of last week.

“We’ve had to manage the situation,” added Hayrettin.

“We had a Zoom call with the players, with Dave Richardson, the fitness coach, and we made sure they did some work internally.

“They did a lot of circuit work with Dave, so we kept that going, which I think is good. We’ve got a good bunch of lads here and they did what they could.”

Maidstone returned to action with a 2-0 home win against Poole in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday.

They’re due to host Frome Town in the third round, with a date to be confirmed, and the busy Christmas schedule kicks in with trips to Tonbridge on Boxing Day and Eastbourne two days later.

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Hayrettin said: “It’s like the No.29 bus, going to Piccadilly, you’ve got to stop every two minutes, we’ve got to play every two minutes now. It’s ridiculous but it is what it is.

“I think we’ve probably got more games than anybody else. You’re going to have to make changes.

“You can’t keep playing the same team. We’ll have to take each game as it comes and manage the players as best we can.”