Pavey primed for action
Returning striker Alfie Pavey has told Hakan Hayrettin he’s ready whenever needed at Maidstone.
Pavey has been recalled by the Stones for the National League South title run-in after a successful stint at Dover. He scored six goals in 18 games for a struggling Whites side, leaving Crabble as their top scorer.
He doesn’t expect to play but, with seven games to go, could yet add to his two goals in a Stones shirt this season and help the team to promotion.
The former Millwall man accepts he’s down the pecking order but stranger things have happened and he’s certainly a player in form after his efforts at Dover under Andy Hessenthaler.
“I’m pleased with how the loan’s gone,” said Pavey, 26.
“I scored one in three and my performances have been good.
“Hak’s made it clear in the past that I don’t suit his style, which is fair enough. “Hess plays 4-3-3 and is more direct and everybody who knows me knows, if you get crosses in the box, that’s how I’m going to affect a game.
“I’m not going to be a natural runner, who will run the channels, but I’ll affect a game in a way I can.
“I got the call in the week saying I was getting called back, which is OK. I’m half-delighted because I’m there for the promotion push.
“Whether I’m in the stands or on the bench, I’ll give it my best shot and I’ve told Hak I’ll be ready when called upon or if required.
“I’m not going back expecting to play, and if I need to play 23s football to keep myself ticking over, I’ll do that.
“Hak knows my situation, he knows I’m ready and there if needed. You never know what can happen.
“I might sit out the next five games and be on the bench for the last two and score the winner that sends them up.
“You just don’t know how football works, which is why I’ve always stayed level-headed.
“I’m not a bad egg - ask any manager I’ve played for.
“I’ve never caused issues, I’ve just got on with my work on a daily basis.
“Am I right in asking why I’m not playing? Yes, of course I am.
“I’m allowed to ask why I’m not playing or what can I do to get in the team? I’ve had many open conversations with Hak. “At the end of the day, he’s the manager and it’s his decision. If I don’t suit his style of play, that’s fair enough, I take it on the chin, I’m not going to change his opinion. “I’m a certain type of player and I don’t think there’s many people out there like me.
“He doesn’t feel I can play that No.1 striker through the middle but I’ll give you a different dimension.
“I’m different to Jack Barham, I’m different to Reece Grant, I’m different to Christie Pattisson, I’m different to Hady Ghandour.”
“I love this club to death, it’s got fantastic people around it, I’ve got a close relationship with Bill Williams (chief executive) and Terry Casey (co-owner), I work with the academy, so I’ve still been around the place, and I’ve still been training there.”
Hayrettin can make no promises but felt it was important to have Pavey available for the title run-in.
He said: “I’ve called him back because there’s seven games to go and I want all bases covered. I don’t want to leave myself short.
“He’s well-liked around the place, and it’s nice for him to be on this journey with us.”