LUQUE NOW ARMED WITH FAN POWER
THERE has been an extra fan on the Maidstone terraces in recent weeks – star winger Joan Luque!
The 29-year-old has been in scintillating form this season with 22 goals as the Stones roared to the National League South title.
It would have no doubt been more had he not suffered a season-ending injury at Dartford last month.
But while the former Heybridge Swifts attacker has already made his contribution on the pitch, he’s been keen to help them over the line by lending his voice among the Stones fans. “Everyone loves it – it’s maybe not normal so they appreciate it and it’s also a way of appreciating them when they do it for you,” Luque told The NLP. “Plus I can’t just sit down and watch, I get too nervous.” Luque’s footballing story is a remarkable one, coming to England from his Barcelona home in 2017 with a pair of boots and a dream as part of an initiative run by Swifts. Soon he was starring in Jody Brown’s side which led to his path into professional football with Lincoln City.
He’s had spells at Dagenham and Weymouth since then with the Stones sandwiched in between before returning last summer. And he loves representing the club. “You could tell from the beginning something special was there,” Luque said. “The first game of the season we played Hemel at home and we were losing. We were like, ‘Come on, it’s the first game, these people have been waiting 18 months to see, just give them something’. We came back and won.
“That was like, ‘Yeah – this is the start everyone needs’. The buzz that created and we went on an unbeaten run. “It’s like a family club. Everyone is with everyone. We stay with the fans after and that’s been amazing as well – that’s been a key point. “Then, obviously, the changing room. Apart from Heybridge Swifts, I don’t remember a changing room like it. That togetherness, everyone going in the same direction – but it’s not even just that. It’s the people who are in the changing room. It actually feels like a family. The lads’ missus’ and kids enjoying watching the games together – that adds something as well. To win this title has just been the best thing ever.”
A sell-out crowd of close to 4,200 were at yesterday’s game with Hampton to see the champions lift the trophy. “My family are coming this weekend for the promotion party,” Luque said. “Even though I’m not playing I know they are going to enjoy it. “The only sad thing about being away (from Spain) is they can’t enjoy it every week. “I’ve done really well and always shared it with fans and team-mates, but I wish my family were there most of the time to celebrate with me. But it’s part of it, I’m used to it – and at least they are coming to the big day.”