MAIDSTONE UNITED have released captain Jimmy Strouts in an effort to reduce the club’s wage bill.

With funding for the new stadium at Whatman Way now a priority, joint-manager Lloyd Hume says he is being forced to make harsh decisions. Hume admitted Strouts’ departure was a wrench.

He said: "He’s been a massive player for us over the past two years and a huge part of our success, but he’s 35 or 36-years-old and we’ve had to cut our wage bill by 25 per cent."

* SEE THE KENT MESSENGER (NOVEMBER 17) FOR THE FULL STORY.