More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Maidstone must make the most of Joan Luque while they have him after Hakan Hayrettin revealed the deal is initially for one month only.
The Spanish winger showed his class with a goal and two assists on his debut as the Stones beat Hemel Hempstead 4-1 at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.
With Christie Pattison, Saidou Khan, Kreshnic Krasniqi and Charlie Seaman newly sidelined by injury, Hayrettin was given permission by co-owner Terry Casey to sign ex-Dagenham man Luque on a short-term deal.
It’s one he’d like to extend but the Stones boss is thankful to have him at all.
Hayrettin said: “I went to Bill (Williams, chief exec) and Terry and said, ‘look, we’ve got this situation with the injuries’ and Terry sanctioned it for me.
“I tell you what, most owners wouldn’t do that in this situation everyone’s in with a severe pandemic going on.
“But Terry’s sanctioned it for a month and I’m so grateful for that.
“Luque’s a quality player. We tried to get him before when we had him during pre-season but we couldn’t get it done.
“He wants to be here, which is the most important thing, so we’ll have to see what happens, but he’s a player anyone at this level would love to have.
“We’ve got him, Charlie Seaman, Christie Pattison and Justin Amaluzor, so that’s four good wingers when everyone’s fit.”
It’s seven points from three games with Maidstone fourth in the early National South table after their big win over Hemel Hempstead.
Sam Corne, Raphe Brown and Luque scored in a five-minute spell midway through the first half, with Noah Chesmain adding a late fourth after Hemel’s reply.
“I was very happy with the performance, I’m happy with the shape we’ve got, I’m very happy with everything at the moment,” said Hayrettin.
“I’ve said before we could have a good season but let’s look at the table after 10 games.
"There’s a long way to go and there will be highs and lows.
“We have to keep focused and disciplined and try to keep everyone fit and see what happens.
"We can’t deviate from what we’re doing. We’ve got to make sure everyone knows their job.”
