Maidstone United player-of-the-month Joan Luque set to stay on at the Gallagher
Published: 06:00, 09 November 2020
Maidstone are set to extend Joan Luque’s stay at the Gallagher.
The Spanish winger is entering the final week of a one-month deal and the club want to keep him on board, having seen him make a big impact.
Luque was voted player-of-the-month on the strength of three appearances in October, scoring twice and having a hand in three goals as United enjoyed a flying start to the campaign.
He began November with a bang, too, setting up the opener in a 3-2 win at Slough on Saturday as Hakan Hayrettin’s side moved up to second in National South.
Money is tight but Hayrettin expects Luque to stay.
The Stones boss said: “He should be fine, I think he’ll be all right. I’ve had positive conversations with the chief executive and the owner. He’s done well.”
Hayrettin is confident he will be able to keep his squad together.
There are good players not even making the bench at the moment but the manager doesn’t see anyone rushing to move on, given Maidstone’s form.
He said: “I think when you’re in a happy place and you’re fighting for your place, then nine times out of 10 you’re going to realise you’re going to get injuries and suspensions and bits and pieces.
“The squad is vital. This month is probably our most important month of the season. We’ve got some big games coming up.”
Maidstone are enjoying their best start in years with four wins and a draw from six games.
But Hayrettin, whose side host fellow high-fliers Dartford this weekend, feels it’s too early to look at the table.
“Let’s get 10 games in and then we’ll have a look at it,” he said.
“When I sit down and talk to Bill (chief exec Bill Williams) I’ve always said 10 games and that’s right."
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Craig Tucker