Maidstone United co-owner Oliver Ash says that Hakan Hayrettin remains the man for them.

Ash covered a wide range of subjects in an online interview with the club and he’s keen for manager Hayrettin to build a team for a new season - one that could include some more local faces. Looking local is something Ash is keen on.

He wrote: “Hakan was talking to players before the lockdown, which put paid to last season and left many uncertainties about the next. We gave him our backing in March and he remains our first choice for manager next season.

“He deserves the opportunity to take charge of the team. Time and circumstances will tell what sort of contract deal we can agree in due course.

“When Terry and I last met with Hakan, we made it clear we would be keen in principle to add local talent and players with links to the club, where it makes sense.

“One or two players (including one old Stones favourite…) have said they would love to come back and play for the Stones. Nothing is definite however, given how little knowledge we have of when and in what shape football might restart.”

Most of the club’s contracted players from the now expunged 2019/20 season have now expired. The club have retained five players to date. Those are Ibby Akanbi, Ibrahim Olutade, Saidou Khan, Sam Corne and Jake Embery.

Mr Ash said he was unsure about when football would return, although tentatively suggested September or October. Crowd restrictions could include stadiums being limited to 50% capacity, he added.

There was also a question mark about whether the club would be going part-time or not. No firm decision has been made but he said: “No definitive decision will be taken on daytime or evening training next season until we know more.

“However, it is very likely we will revert to a two-evenings-a-week schedule for financial reasons, possibly adding an optional Monday morning. Time will tell.”

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