WITH NEW SIGNINGS
Maidstone are going for a new approach in the transfer market.
The signing of 32-year-old striker Yemi Odubade proves that, with manager Jay Saunders keen to add experience to his young squad.
It’s rare for Saunders to sign a player in his 30s but he moved quickly to land Odubade following his release by National League rivals Eastleigh.
Saunders said: “Anyone we sign now, I want them to have a bit of experience at this level.
“If you look at it, we always go young but I felt we needed some experience and he’s someone for the boys to learn off as well.
“He’s not been greedy, he just wants to come in and do well. He had a few options but this one appeals to him.”
Odubade, who played in the Football League with Yeovil and Stevenage, could make his first start at Torquay tomorrow (Saturday), having come off the bench against Guiseley last weekend.
Saunders added: “He’s someone I’ve known for years – I’ve always liked him. He’s different to what we’ve got.
“He’s got pace, good movement, he works his socks off and gives us different options up top.”
Torquay are another of the division’s big names, returning to the Football League after relegation, only to go down again two years ago.
They’re yet to fire this season, sitting three places below United in 16th, while the visitors have picked up nine of their 15 points on the road.
Saunders, who expects to have defender Kevin Lokko available after a hip injury, said: “We’ve got some hard games coming up and it starts on Saturday.
“Torquay’s an interesting one. I’ve watched their last two games and they’ve not had the results but they’re a good side on their day – a handful.
“It’s a nice ground to go to and recently we’ve been better away from home. It’s one of them where the pressure’s off and we can go there and have a go.
“It’s like Chester. We went there with no one expecting us to get anything and the boys went out and performed.”
Maidstone visit Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup first round on Tuesday (7.45pm).