Maidstone United player-coach Simon Walton defies injury fears to make comeback against Stockport County in FA Trophy
Published: 08:01, 26 February 2019
Updated: 08:03, 26 February 2019
Hakan Hayrettin says every club needs a Simon Walton after the Maidstone player-coach made an unexpected return from injury.
Stones feared Walton would be out for the season after damaging his shoulder a fortnight ago but the Yorkshireman was back in action at Stockport in the FA Trophy quarter-finals on Saturday.
An early replacement for the injured Will De Havilland, Walton was outstanding in United's 1-1 draw and looks set to feature in the replay at the Gallagher Stadium tonight.
Maidstone head coach Hayrettin said: "Simon's a player who typifies what we’re all about.
"He's brave, strong, he's got desire, determination and a willingness to pull and push people through games.
"It’s like a rugby scrum, he wants to push them in the right direction.
"Every club needs a player like him.
"A lot of people say this and that but he'll do us all day long. He’s been fantastic.
"He’s on this side of the fence now, too, and he's a massive help on the coaching side telling us about players.
"He’s a great character and a fantastic personality and I’m glad I’m working with him."
The winners of tonight's replay will meet AFC Fylde over two legs in the semi-finals on March 16 and 23.
Leyton Orient face AFC Telford in the other last-four tie.
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Craig Tucker