Charley still dreams of big time
Charley Robertson would love to follow Ben Swift into the professional game.
A year ago, Robertson was the Maidstone academy player tipped for a future in the Football League.
The teenager had broken into the first team and was becoming a firm crowd favourite.
He trained with Charlton and was held up as the jewel in the crown for the academy as the club promoted the benefits of 3G at the Gallagher Stadium.
He came off the bench to score in United’s openingday win over Met Police this season but with boss Jay Saunders turning to experience for the Ryman League, Premier Division title bid, Robertson went out on loan to Folkestone.
It proved a disaster for the 18-year-old midfielder, who was left out after only two appearances.
He’s since started League Cup and Kent Senior Cup games for the Stones and made the 17-man squad for the FA Cup ties against Stevenage.
Robertson, who completed his academy scholarship last summer, understands Saunders’ position but knows he needs games.
He said: “I thought I did well in pre-season and came on and scored on the first day of the season but Jay needs to get promoted and wants to go with more experienced players
“I just need to go out somewhere on loan and get games. I still think I could do a job for Maidstone. I proved it last year but there are certain games when you need experienced players.
“Most of my appearances last season were off the bench. I don’t mind that – I’m still young – but this season I’ve not been doing anything.”
It was Swift, rather than Robertson, who got his dream move by joining Premier League Aston Villa this month.
Robertson was delighted for his old academy team-mate and still has professional ambitions of his own.
He said: “I was looking at getting a move to a league club but it’s quietened down a bit.
“That’s why I need to go and get games, even if it’s just for a month and score some goals.
“The Kent Senior Cup and League Cup are good for fitness but they’re not like playing league games.
“Ben’s done well over the last year. As soon as he came into the academy as a first-year, he was the first player I saw who could step into our team.
“He deserves to go to Aston Villa. He heads it well, is good positionally and I have nothing but praise for him.
“I’d love to go somewhere like that but I have to stay patient.”
Saunders claimed Robertson hadn’t been treated well at Folkestone and Invicta boss Neil Cugley conceded as much.
Robertson, who doesn’t drive, was promised lifts to games but was left stranded at home.
He said: “I’ve been at different clubs in my time but never anywhere like Folkestone.
“The manager said the travelling wouldn’t be an issue. But it got to the point where I would ring for lifts and wouldn’t get a reply.
“After asking four times how I would get to games, I’d finally get a reply and be told I could have the night off.
“It was so frustrating because I chose Folkestone over other clubs.
“If things had been different and I’d played well and scored five or six goals, who knows where I’d be now?
“There could have been scouts watching or I might be back in the Maidstone side. It set me back.
“I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be going somewhere but I’m not completely sure where yet.
“There’s a couple of clubs who want me.”