Collin keen to be part of the big project
FRANNIE COLLIN is relishing his chance to be part of the “big project” at Maidstone United after signing for the club.
The 26-year-old striker turned down Conference South football and a return to Dover after leaving Tonbridge Angels.
But he believes the Stones have the potential to return to the Football League and said the lure of playing in front of 2,000 fans at the Gallagher Stadium was too great to resist.
Collin said: “It’s a great opportunity, a massive club. I’ve had a look around and the set-up is geared to playing at a much higher level. That’s something I want to be part of.
“I wanted a fresh challenge and this is such a big project. The only down side is dropping down a league but they’re looking at getting 2,000 every week. That’s bigger than anything outside the Conference.
“Everything is set up for the club to go into the Football League.”
Collin follows Lee Worgan to the Gallagher, having played alongside him for three seasons at Tonbridge.
He said: “We get on well and we’re best mates off the pitch. When he said he’d be signing down there, that was a big factor.
“He’s a good mate but he’s also as good a goalkeeper as you’ll find in non-league.
“When you’re moving on to a new club and you know some of the players there, it does make a difference.”
Essentially, though, it was a matter of perfect timing which allowed Maidstone to land one of the most talented forwards outside the Conference Premier.
Collin said: “Football can get a bit samey if you’re always with the same faces. Things seemed to go a little bit stale for me at Tonbridge.”