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Maidstone United head coach Hakan Hayrettin explains his transfer policy

Maidstone head coach Hakan Hayrettin has outlined exactly what he looks for during transfer talks.

United have signed three players so far this summer with midfielder Clovis Kamdjo joining defender Lewis Knight and striker Ibrahim Olutade at the Gallagher.

They're working hard on other deals and Hayrettin said: "We're just going about our business trying to get the right players in.

Maidstone United head coach Hakan Hayrettin Picture: Sean Aidan
Maidstone United head coach Hakan Hayrettin Picture: Sean Aidan

"We need people that are enthusiastic, that want to be here, that want to work hard, that want to make everyone else work hard and that basically want to do really well.

"We're not going to get everything right all the time but these are the kind of players we need.

"Ultimately, when you sit down and talk to a player, you want to know if he wants to be there, don't you? That's the important thing.

"If he doesn't, there's no point carrying on the conversation.

"I've had conversations with players who say they have other offers but if they show a willingness to take on board what we're saying and what we're trying to do, then you'll cut them a bit of slack to do what they need to do.

"You can't stop anyone from earning more money but you want people to come to work with a smile on their face.

"It's all about recruitment, the right personalities and the right characters for the club. That's all it is. Nothing's changed.

"We've had a few say no but we've had a hell of a lot that have said they're interested and want to come.

Summer signing Ibrahim Olutade
Summer signing Ibrahim Olutade

"I'm just trying to piece it all together and make sure we sign the right ones for the club.

"I want to get down to work, do the best I can, motivate the team and motivate the players to be in a position where we're pushing.

"Everyone thinks we're throwing a lot of money around - we're not."

Olutade is a classic example of a player who wants to be at Maidstone.

The striker was playing Combined Counties League football a year ago and is thrilled to land a chance in National South.

Hayrettin said: "He's a raw talent. We need to nurture him, we need to make him better and we need to get him to understand what's required for him to be better.

"He cares and we want him to come into work with a smile on his face.

"We want him banging down those gates every day where he can't wait to get into work."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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