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Maxwell looking to rebuild
Maxwell looking to rebuild

After missing out on promotion last season in the cruelest possible way, Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell has rebuilding to do in the summer that few managers would appreciate as ten of last season’s squad have now moved on from Woodstock. 

Reflecting on events since the end of the season, the Brickies boss admitted, “A lot of managers will probably look at us and say that we have a big job on our hands to replace the quality of players that they have lost.”

“But for me, I will always look at it slightly differently – I always run towards challenges, and that’s just who I am, I am kind of addicted to it, to tough environments and difficult moments.”

“I have relished these past few weeks because I know that people are going to say, “let’s see if they can do that again!” All eyes will be on us and there will be a lot of doubters out there.”

“A complete rebuild after getting one hundred and one points, to lose ten players if off-putting to a lot of managers, but for me it’s a challenge and I accept any challenge!”  

“It has been very much all change,” Maxwell continued. “With the success that we had on the pitch last year, a lot of the players have had lots of offers that they simply couldn’t turn down to push on at least one, if not two levels above and some have even gone full-time, and I am absolutely over the moon for them!”

“But then that means there is a lot more work to be done at Woodstock and I can assure you that it has been constant, even when I was away on holiday!” 

“That said, it’s been enjoyable at the same time because I’ve had many conversations with some very good players and we are fortunate enough to have attracted a few so far and although it’s not a complete re-build, certainly a lot of players need to be replaced – I think it was ten in total that we have lost – it’s a big number, but we have some great players coming in who have great pedigree and are coming for the right reasons as we did last year and I’m looking forward to working with them.” 

There will also be a new number two at Woodstock as well following Reece Prestidge’s decision to stand down. “Leo Roget joins us,” Maxwell confirmed.

“He’s a friend of mine who I have known a long, long time. He an ex-pro playing 140 odd games for Southend and has played for Oxford too and other Clubs in Non-League as well.”

“He knows the levels, and in his time, he’s also been a professional boxer. His fitness regime I tell you is quite intense as is his will to win which is so vital to be around me and this Football Club – you have to have it and Leo definitely does.”

“So, he brings a wealth of experience to the Brickies and is only coming to be successful; he’s a very welcome addition!” 

“On the flip side of that, I must thank my very good friend Reece who has opted to spend more time with his family. He was brilliant for us last year – he will always be a friend outside of football and we wish him well and thank him for everything he did for Sittingbourne!” 

Player wise, Sittingbourne’s new recruits include FA Vase winning goalscorer Harvey Smith, who has moved to Woodstock on a season’s loan from Whitstable.

“Harvey has real potential – everyone knows that” Maxwell told us. “He’s a big lad and is still getting into his figure and into his body and there is a man waiting to develop in there and there is also a talented footballer though with real ability.”

“He has got a very good skill level and technical ability and he scores goals. I think this season is a big one for him – it’s an opportunity for him to step up into a great environment where we have already developed players who have gone on and were a similar age to him.”

“That’s why he’s come to Woodstock and I am looking forward to working with him – had a lot of conversations with him. Yes, he scored at Wembley and there aren’t that many who can say that and we’re hoping that the Man of the Match he got in that Final is just the first of many accolades that come his way.” 

“We have players who are going to cause players everywhere and we have one or two more still to come in the building still. So, I am pretty pleased, and we haven’t even started pre-season yet and the squad is looking strong.”

“We’re back next week and I’m looking forward to it – meet and greet the players and I think this time of year players are beginning to get itchy feet now – they have been off long enough, let’s get going and get amongst it, that’s certainly the way I feel!” 

Picture supplied by Ian Scammell.


 
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