More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Hakan Hayrettin takes Maidstone to Ebbsfleet tonight - four years after he stood with away fans at the National South play-off final.
The sides meet at Stonebridge Road - a fixture that always evokes memories of the Stones’ penalty shoot-out success over Fleet in 2016.
Hayrettin was in the crowd as Dumebi Dumaka levelled in added time of extra time before Lee Worgan denied Danny Kedwell from the spot to clinch Maidstone’s promotion.
Jay Saunders was in the dugout back then, of course, but Hayrettin has his own memories after an afternoon on the terraces.
“I was there working that day,” said Hayrettin. “I sneaked in and I stood behind the goal at the away end and watched the game very carefully.
“It was a great game and I was so pleased for Maidstone that day.”
Hayrettin is looking for a response after the Stones lost 2-0 at home to Dartford on Saturday.
A second Kent derby in four days gives them a chance to show what they’re made of.
Hayrettin said: “My job now is to get my team ready for Tuesday night. There’s a lot of points to play for and I don’t want to be disheartened.
“I’m disappointed we lost but, more importantly, we’ve got to bounce back and show character and I expect the big personalities in my team to do that.”
New Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb has made a good start since arriving in England from Germany.
His side moved above the Stones with their 2-1 win at Chippenham on Saturday.
Hayrettin said: “They’ve brought an experienced manager in from another country, which is good, and fair play to him.
“He’s working in England now, and Ebbsfleet’s a good club with a good squad and a good team, but we need to bounce back and show that grit and determination.”
