Keen to get up to speed
Ibrahim Olutade is facing a big month in his quest to be a hit at Maidstone.
The striker has rejoined Isthmian Premier Leatherhead on loan to get some game-time.
He featured in a 10-goal thriller at Worthing on Saturday, coming off the bench to give the Tanners a 5-3 lead, only for the match to end in a draw.
Olutade continues to train with Maidstone and knows a good run at Leatherhead could help force his way into the first-team picture. His involvement so far has been limited to three substitute appearances but he’s desperate to be a success.
He said: “This is an important month for me.
“The plan is to get a few games, score some goals and get my confidence back up.
“Even at training on Tuesday, the gaffer said I look more sharp and more on it.
“It was a really good feeling to come on and score.
“That made it 5-3 and I thought that was going to be Leatherhead’s first win of the season but it wasn’t to be.
“Hopefully I do well and when I go back to Maidstone I’ll get my opportunity. I still believe I can do it at this level.
“When I came here I wanted to make an impact and score goals in a higher league and when I get my chance I’ve got to take it with both hands.
“I’m eager to show people what I can do.
“Maidstone’s a massive club and I want to try and make an impact. “I don’t want to be known as a person who didn’t really do it. I’m determined to be the best I can be. “The fan base is here is ridiculous and to experience playing in front of 2,000 people, even for a few minutes against Eastbourne, makes me want to work even harder just to experience it again.” Head of football John Still felt Olutade was slow to adapt to fulltime training.
The striker agrees but his fitness is improving all the time.
He said: “What John said was absolutely right.
“It’s my first time in a full-time environment and my legs weren’t used to it. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked my body.
“I was training once a week at Leatherhead and I found it tough to make the transition but it’s benefited me now because I’m so much sharper and fitter and I feel I’m getting used to it.
“I could tell I wasn’t as sharp as the other players to start with and it made me realise I need to work even harder to reach those levels, otherwise I will struggle and not be in and around it.
“It helps being around so many good players because you push yourself even more.
“John and Hakan are always giving me advice, too, which really helps and shows they care about my development as a player.”