HAKAN’S GOT THE BACKING TO LEAD STONES
MAIDSTONE United co-owner Oliver Ash says Hakan Hayrettin is still the club’s ‘first choice’ to lead the team next season – but revealed it was more likely to be as a part-time outfit.
The former Braintree Town boss had been working as head coach with the Stones, with the experienced John Still in a head of football role.
But with Still now having announced his retirement back in March after over 50 years in the game, Hayrettin has received the backing of the Stones hierarchy to carry on in the hotseat at the Gallagher Stadium.
In an update to supporters, Ash said: “Hakan was talking to players before the lockdown, which put paid to last season and left many uncertainties about the next. We gave him our backing in March and he remains our first choice for manager next season.
“He deserves the opportunity to take charge of the team. Time and circumstances will tell what sort of contract deal we can agree in due course.”
Looking to make an immediate return to the top-flight after last year’s relegation, Ash’s Stones were placed ninth in the table when the season was brought to an end in March.
To date, Maidstone have only retained five players from last year’s squad – Ibby Akanbi, Ibrahim Olutade, Saidou Khan, Sam Corne and Jake Embery – with more set to follow when the timeline ahead of next season becomes clearer.
Ash, however, revealed he didn’t know as yet whether that would be as a full-time or part-time outfit, but admitted the club were favouring the less demanding option.
“No definitive decision will be taken on daytime or evening training next season until we know more,” Ash added.
“However, it is very likely we will revert to a two-evenings-a-week schedule for financial reasons, possibly adding an optional Monday morning. Time will tell.”