MAIDSTONE have pulled off a coup in the transfer market by signing Craig Wilkins from Ryman League rivals Dover Athletic.

Joint-manager Lloyd Hume said: "We're very happy to have got him. We've been watching him for some time, but now he's out of contract at Dover and as there's no manager there at the moment.

"That worked in our favour and it took us less than 10 minutes to persuade him to join us."

Wilkins can play as a central defender, but is better known as a striker. He was a prolific goalscorer for the Stones in their Kent County League days and enjoyed a successful spell with Gravesend & Northfleet.

Hume also confirmed that the Stones had agreed new deals with Mo Takaloo, Errison Ahwan, Mario McNish, Alex Tiesse and player-of-the-year Nathan Paul.

Paul was the most difficult to keep hold of according to Hume: "A lot of people were after him and they were all chucking money at him," he said.

See the Kent Messenger (Friday, May 18) for the full story.