Youth player snapped up by Palace
Maidstone under-16s midfielder Bivesh Gurung has signed for Premier League club Crystal Palace.
He’s agreed a scholarship with the south London club and will link up with them in July.
The Eagles scouted Gurung playing for United – his hometown club – and the county representative team.
They invited him for trials over five months before offering terms.
Gurung, who joined United 18 months ago, told the club website: “I honestly can’t thank Maidstone enough for the experience and opportunities they have provided for me, helping me secure my place at a professional club.
“Biggest thanks to Steve Pritchard (manager) and Bob Gouldson (assistant) who have worked very hard with me through this time and helped me strengthen my playing ability.
“Lastly, thank you to my team-mates – who are also my good friends off the pitch – for all that they do and for making Maidstone a truly fantastic experience.”
Gurung’s move reopens the debate over non-league clubs losing young players without compensation.
It’s the third time it’s happened to United in the past few years, with Ben Swift joining Aston Villa and Alfie Pavey picked up by Millwall.
Stones boss Jay Saunders feels something needs to change.
He said: “It’s great for Bivesh but it’s a shame for the club because it’s another one we lose for nothing.
“It’s all a bit wrong if I’m honest with you.
“No matter what you do, until you get to the stage where you can put 16-yearolds on contract, you’re going to lose them.
“Steve, the under-16s manager, will have done a lot of work with the lad.
“Since Jamie Vardy, all the clubs are looking at nonleague more.
“We were lucky to get Tom Mills and Alex Flisher through like we did.
“They came through the youth system and into the first team but I don’t think that’ll happen again any time soon.”