Ladies urged to join Stones for pre-season trials
The profile of women’s football has never been higher with England’s run in the World Cup – and Maidstone United Ladies want to take advantage. They’re holding trials for their London & South East Premier Division side who will be up against the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Fulham next season. New captain Alex Witham has title ambitions after a strong finish to last season and has encouraged trialists to turn out at the Gallagher Stadium on Sunday, July 5 (9am-12.30pm). Witham said: “We need a mixture of experience and new players, people who want to work hard, commit for the Ben Greenhalgh has given himself two years to return to the professional game. Greenhalgh left Maidstone for Concord Rangers on Monday in search of the regular football he needs to stand any chance of a move to the Football League.
Only last month he agreed to stay at the Gallagher Stadium but with Stones going on to sign Mitchell Pinnock, Bobby-Joe Taylor and Joe Healy, the 23-year-old was given permission to speak to other clubs. The winger earned a deal at Inter Milan after winning Sky TV show Football’s Next Star and two seasons ago played in the Scottish Premier League with Inverness. He craves another shot as a pro and believes the move to Concord will boost his chances. Greenhalgh said: “It won’t be easy to get back into full-time football but it has to be the aim.
“One thing I’ve struggled with is getting interest from Football League clubs in England. I had it early on after winning the TV show but then I was away for nearly two years in Italy and people had forgotten about me when I came back.
“I enjoyed it up in Scotland and maybe I should have stayed up there a bit longer but I’d like to get a pro club in England.
“I’ve had offers of trials but if I want to get somewhere here, then I have to be playing. The best way to get anywhere is to prove what you can do in matches. “I’ve just got to do as well as I can for Concord.
“I’ve only just turned 23 so I’ve still got a year or possibly two long-term and be part of a winning team. “Women’s football is an up-and-coming sport and we’ve seen that with the World Cup. When I started out, I was the only girl in a team of boys but participation has increased massively. “There’s a lot more to do, from the foundations to the top of the game but the standard is definitely improving.” Centre-half Witham is looking forward to captaining United in her second season with the club and expects the team to challenge now their young players have got to grips with the league. She said: “We showed in the to get in the league.”
Greenhalgh, who will continue to coach youngsters at the Gallagher Stadium, leaves Maidstone with some of his best memories in football.
He’ll never forget winning the Ryman League, Premier Division and reaching the FA Cup second round with Stones.
Indeed, it was substitute Greenhalgh’s cross that set up Frannie Collin’s late winner in the first round replay against League 2 Stevenage.
Greenhalgh said: “That’s got to be one of my best moments in football.
“It was my first season playing in the FA Cup and to be the one who came on and made the difference is something I’ll do well to beat.
“We were the underdogs but managed to stay in the game and as soon as Frannie scored, we knew that was it.”
Greenhalgh helped Concord win promotion to Conference South via the Ryman League, Premier Division play-offs two years ago. And the Essex club were his first choice once Stones boss Jay Saunders said he could leave.
Greenhalgh said: “Jay signed a few wingers, not to push me out but I felt I maybe needed a change.
“Once Maidstone put it out, there was quite a lot of interest in National League South and the Ryman Premier but the only club I ever focused on was Concord.” last six or seven games of last season what we’re capable of. “We had a dodgy start where we had a lot of young players who were technically good but found it difficult up against strong players who’d been around for a few years. “But we improved and took confidence from winning a few games. We realised we could compete with the top teams, so next season we’re looking to be up there with the top three and to win it.” Trialists must be aged 16 over. To apply, email manager Paul McDonagh on mcdnp@ btinternet.com.