Hakan Hayrettin says he and John Still will get Maidstone promoted.

The play-offs look the most realistic route this season, although head coach Hayrettin hasn't totally written off their National League South title chances.

But even if United miss out on an instant return to the National League, Hayrettin feels promotion is just a matter of time with him and head of football Still in charge.

"Hopefully we'll cement ourselves in that little pack and push on," said Hayrettin, whose side are eighth going into the New Year's Day home game against old rivals Tonbridge.

"You're never going to rule out the title (Maidstone are 16 points behind leaders Wealdstone) but we know that may not be possible.

"We want to push on as much as we can, we want to show the supporters and the owners that we want to kick on and get in the play-offs.

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"With or without this bunch of players, sooner or later this club will get promoted and we'll be in charge."

Still and Hayrettin's teams are often slow starters but tend to push on at the turn of the year.

That bodes well for the Stones, who are just two points outside the play-off positions.

They trained yesterday and are in again today in preparation for Tonbridge, with Hayrettin demanding three points.

He said: "Our sides push on after Christmas.

"Players adapt, they get to know what we want and they start doing things a little better.

"Players can do the job but they can also learn on the job, which is important for us.

"There's no rest for us now, we want to be ready for the Tonbridge game.

"This is a time of test and character and we demand three points.

"We need to win, we've got to get three points - it's imprinted on our minds.

"We were in Monday and we've sacrificed New Year's Eve to get ready and prepare properly for this game."

Hayrettin also feels Maidstone fans have a big part to play against Tonbridge.

He added: "The crowd are immense here.

"They get behind the team, they can help us turn the screw and that's a big factor. Let's get a massive crowd in."

Meanwhile, Hayrettin has praised Gavin Hoyte after the defender scored his first Maidstone goal against Dulwich last weekend.

Hoyte has been one of the top performers this season, dependable at the back and a constant provider of goals.

Hayrettin said: "He's a crowd favourite and he works to his maximum.

"I'm his biggest fan and his worst critic because I want him to be the best he can be.

"He's found a home where the supporters like him and we're pleased for him.

"He's a good kid, he's a family man, he's a humble man, he works hard and he's well liked in the changing room.

"His energy and desire is phenomenal, it spreads through the team."

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