Maidenhead Have No Plans To Be At Wrong End

Maidenhead United are looking to model themselves on Sutton United next season according to their chairman Peter Griffin.

The Stripes were superb and were worthy winners of the Vanarama National League South last season.

Alan Devonshire’s side held their nerve on the tense final day of the season to take the title at Margate - and the team’s experienced manager has enjoyed a productive summer.

Former Barnet player Jake Hyde, defender Jake Goodman, Hampton’s Harold Odametey and Chinedu McKenzie, a surprise signing from Romford in the Ryman North, help form next season’s squad.

But their biggest bit of business is perhaps persuading freescoring striker Dave Tarpey to stay at York Street with full time offers on the table.

Magpies chairman Griffin can’t wait for the big kick-off to arrive and he said: “It’s all feeling a bit real now.

“The season is creeping up on us and while it’s into the unknown it’s so exciting for everyone - especially those who have been coming to Maidenhead for years and years. It’ll be a proud moment to see the players talking to the field in the top division of Non-League football.

“Dev has worked hard assembling his squad and the countdown is very much on.”

Griffin added: “The old saying goes that we’re not just here to make up the numbers. We’re not, but you won’t see us saying we’re going to win the National League either!

“It’s a big step up, we’re fully aware of that but I look at what Sutton United achieved in their first season in the league and we hope to replicate something like that - ideally with the same incredible FA Cup run!

“We’re not planning on a struggle down at the bottom, and hopefully we won’t get one. Sutton set the standard last season, what a first year they had.

“I would love to see the confidence of our title win filter through to the new campaign. We’ve managed to keep the squad together and added some talent to it so with a bit of luck we’re in for another interesting season.”