Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin grateful to have George Porter in his squad

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 14 January 2021

Hakan Hayrettin loves having George Porter on board at Maidstone.

Porter appeared to be one of the signings of the summer and he’s living up to expectations at the Gallagher.

George Porter in action for Maidstone at Eastbourne Picture: Steve Terrell

He’s delivered goals and assists and has that ability to wind people up and get under the skin of opponents.

The former Bromley man also won’t shy away when it comes to letting team-mates know how he feels.

They’re great qualities to have and Porter was on form in Tuesday night’s win at Eastbourne, playing a key part in a fine team goal, finished by Joan Luque, and setting up Scott Rendell’s winner.

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Stones boss Hayrettin said: “I said to George if we’re going to be successful this season you’re going to play a big part. My job is to manage him.

"He’s the kind of player I love to have in my ranks and I’m fortunate to have him.

"He’s got great ability, his personality and character is all different colours and variations and he adds a lot to the squad and I’m grateful to have him.

“I remember when I was at Braintree I thought, ‘I’d love to have him’ and we have.

Maidstone midfielder Zihni Temelci on the ball at Eastbourne. Picture: Steve Terrell

“These personalities and characters make your squad, they home you in to a certain place that can elevate you and he’s one of those characters, and my job is to manage him.”

Zihni Temelci started the move for Luque’s goal on his first start of the season.

The midfielder, who turned 22 this week, did his chances of further action no harm at all.

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“If anyone knows about that kid, he’s probably the fittest player we’ve got," said Hayrettin.

“After every session and before every session he’s doing something, he’s naturally fit, but I just thought we’d freshen it up and show the boys in there the squad’s going to be utilised.

“I think it was the right thing to do and he did OK. His energy was outstanding was for us.

“If that second goal is on Match of the Day, and a Premier League team scored a goal like that, you’re going to go, ‘Wow’, but we scored it.”