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Hakan Hayrettin will be back in the dugout when Maidstone travel to National League big-boys Wrexham.
Manager Hayrettin missed the midweek defeat by Dorking as he was abroad for his nephew’s wedding.
He returns for Saturday’s game in Wales as the Stones look to upset the pre-season title favourites, who attracted a crowd of almost 10,000 to their first home game of the season against Eastleigh a fortnight ago.
Assistant manager Terry Harris took the reins for the 4-2 loss against Dorking and while Hayrettin’s absence had no bearing on the outcome, he’s pleased to have him back.
“I spoke to Hak on the morning of the game and we discussed the side and everything we were going to do,” said Harris.
“Whether Hak was here or whether Hak wasn’t here, I don’t think we could have done anything much more about the result.
“Hak’s not going to stop Dominic Odusanya passing the ball square (leading to Dorking’s second goal), Hak’s not going to stop Jack Cawley heading the ball back for them to score their fourth, Hak’s not going to stop Henry Woods giving a penalty away.
“It was just one of those nights where we individually self-destructed.
“I don’t mind taking the team but Hak is the manager and Hak will always be the manager, it’s just a one-off occasion.
“Did I enjoy doing it? Yes, but I certainly didn’t enjoy the result.”
The Dorking defeat leaves Maidstone with four points from their opening three games back in the National League.
That’s the same return as Wrexham, who lost 2-0 at Chesterfield on Tuesday night.
The Welsh club, managed by former Charlton, Bolton and Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson, are desperate to get back in the Football League after a 14-year absence.
Their profile is sky-high following the takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and they’re almost certainly the biggest spenders in the division.
But Maidstone, who are staying overnight before the game, will embrace the challenge that awaits at the Racecourse.
“It’s fantastic to be going there, absolutely fantastic,” said Harris.
“It’s a great ground, a great crowd, I know Phil Parkinson and they’re a good side, obviously.
“But that’s why we worked so hard last season to get out of National South to go to the Wrexhams of this world.
“We’ve got a little bit of work to do with regard to our organisation because it seemed against Dorking that individuals went their own merry way and that’s not us.
“We’re normally on the button for that, so we’ll come in and go to work on Thursday.
“No side in this league are unbeatable but we’ve just got to tighten up.”