Saunders still keen to revisit deal for striker

SAUNDERS WANTS PROLONGED RUN TO BUCK TREND

Jay Saunders has admitted defeat in his attempts to bring Maidstone a new striker for Christmas.

But the Stones boss remains hopeful of landing a targetman to lead a new year revolution instead.

After releasing Liam EnverMarum saying he needed more from the striker, Saunders has been on the lookout for a physical frontman with an eye for goal.

He was close to a deal before Saturday’s National League defeat at Bromley, as Maidstone failed to score for the fifth time in their last six games.

Saunders said: “They’re not easy to find. We were speaking to someone last week and we were getting there but the circumstances have changed so it’s been put on hold for now.

“His club did not want to let him go before the transfer window opens incase they needed to bring someone else in.

“It’s a shame because he would have been ideal for us, he’s the right age, the right size and although he’s playing at the same level, he has experience at a higher level, too.

“It is frustrating at the moment but it’s not dead, which is good. We’ll revisit it in January.”

He added: “I’ve been on the phone to league managers talking about loans but it’s the same thing – they don’t want to leave themselves short knowing they can’t do anything about it until the window opens.

“The window was good to us coming up the leagues. We were able to sign players from lower levels and take a chance on them.

“But with where we are now, we need to be bringing in people who are ready to come in and make a difference straight away. The transfer window doesn’t help that.”

Stones were given a glimpse of the benefits of a targetman as Bromley forward Adam Cunnington scored the opener at Hayes Lane.

Saunders said: “Especially with the pitches turning, when there’s not going to be loads and loads of football at times, I do think we need a big man – you only have to look at Cunnington.

“We’ve been crying out for one since Jay May left and it’s something we’re working on.”

Former Ebbsfleet man EnverMarum scored five goals in 16 appearances for United but didn’t offer the targetman qualities Saunders was looking for.

Saunders said: “I just felt I needed a bit more from my frontman.

“He’s a big lad, had a good goal return but I think he could use his body a lot better than he does and work a little bit harder.”