Battle-hardened Delano is ready for mission possible
Loan striker Delano Sam-Yorke can’t worry about the implications for Woking after swapping one relegation scrap for another.
Sam-Yorke heard of Maidstone’s interest via his agent and a two-month switch was quickly agreed.
Both clubs are fighting at the bottom of the National League but Woking didn’t want to deny the 27-year-old the chance to play regular football.
Sam-Yorke, who’s scored four goals in 14 games for the Cards this season, said: “Garry Hill (Woking boss) was fine with it
“He said ‘I wouldn’t stop you from going there just because they’re challenging with us.’
“Both clubs are equipped to stay up – 100%. I just want to do as well as possible, help Maidstone as much as possible to stay in this league and go from there.”
Sam-Yorke brings Wembley pedigree to Maidstone after firing Cambridge to the Conference Premier play-off final three seasons ago. He scored both goals as the U’s overturned a 1- 0 first-leg deficit to beat Halifax in the semi-finals.
They went on to beat Gateshead 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
Sam-Yorke said: “I scored the two goals to get us to Wembley.
“I started at Wembley, that was a good experience. I went to Wembley again with Forest Green – didn’t get to play that game – but I’ve had a couple of experiences of Bookings are being taken for Maidstone’s half-term soccer school. It runs from February 15-17 at the Gallagher Stadium and is for boys and girls aged five to 12. Manager Jay Saunders and first-team players will take the sessions which include skills and drills, penalty competitions and minitournaments. Cost is £20 per day or £50 for all three. Book online at maidstoneunited.co.uk. Jack Richards has started a three-month loan at Southern Counties East side Sevenoaks. The academy forward, who’s had spells with Faversham and East Grinstead this season, made his debut in Oaks’ 5-1 win over Hollands & Blair last weekend. Wembley and just want to get back there.
“It was crazy. To walk out of the stand was amazing. It’s every boy’s dream to walk out at Wembley.
“I thought I played well. The gaffer didn’t, though – he substituted me at half-time!”
Sam-Yorke, who has also had spells at Lincoln and Boreham Wood, did well on his Stones debut at Guiseley.
He barely knew his new team-mates but showed the bigman qualities Stones have been missing.
He said: “I’m a strong, direct, pacy striker. I can do the ugly side, I can also take on players and let off some shots.
“I thought overall my first game was decent. I linked up well with a few of the midfielders.
“I met everyone on Thursday evening, briefly, but football’s football. You adjust and learn things as you go along in the game.” .