Has big boots to fill
Tom Wraight will give everything to replace Alex Flisher at Maidstone – the man he calls a club legend.
United signed winger Wraight from East Thurrock for an undisclosed fee after Flisher turned down a new deal.
A terrific left foot and an eye for goal – Wraight scored 20 times in National South last season – are obvious similarities, not to mention workrate.
Flisher, who became a dad for the first time last Friday, made 275 appearances for his hometown club before joining Margate.
The crowd loved him –“Alex Flisher, he’s one of our own,” they used to sing – and replacing him won’t be easy.
But Wraight, 23, is highly rated and will give himself every chance.
He said: “I know he’s played all those games and he’s a legend down here.
“I’ll just try and do as well as he did. I’m sure I’ll be OK if I’m half as good as him. “It’s hard to replace someone like him. “It’s always in the back of your mind that you’re replacing a club legend.
“I can only give it my all and just do as well as he did. I’ll always give 100% each game.
“I’m stepping up a level and hope I can still score as many as I possibly can in this league.
“I’ve never had a chance to do it so hopefully I can prove myself and have good season.
“It’s completely new. I’ve watched the highlights and I’d like to think I’m capable.”
Maidstone tried to sign Wraight last year but with Football League trials on the horizon, he decided to bide his time at East Thurrock.
Gillingham, Ipswich and Millwall all had a look at the midfielder.
He said: “I had a chance to go out on trial and it didn’t work out but now I’m here I want to knuckle down and hopefully impress this season.
“It’s difficult going on trial. You’re just trying to stand out in a short period of time. The trials went well. Nothing came of them in the end but it was good experience. You just express yourself and see how you do.
“It’s one of those things you’ve got to take on the chin and just move on.
“I’d love to get in the league but if it doesn’t happen, I’m still happy.”