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Maidstone United forward Matt McClure a wanted man with his contract running out

Maidstone forward Matt McClure could be leaving the club this month.

McClure's short-term deal expires on January 16 and he's attracting interest elsewhere after scoring 10 goals for the Stones this season, including the first hat-trick of his career.

Maidstone striker Matt McClure celebrates his hat-trick goal against St Albans Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone striker Matt McClure celebrates his hat-trick goal against St Albans Picture: Steve Terrell

The former Wycombe and Aldershot man, 28, has been offered new terms by Maidstone but may decide to move on.

Stones head of football John Still said: "We don't know the full outcome of it yet.

"We've made him an offer and we'll be talking to him as we go along.

"He's here till the 16th, so we'll go from there.

"If he wants to stay, we're delighted to have him.

"The club have offered him what they can but if he wants to go for whatever reason, good luck to him because it's his career and he's got to look after it.

"He's done well and people are looking at him. That's life, I understand that."

Another goal for Matt McClure, this time against Concord in the FA Trophy Picture: Matthew Walker
Another goal for Matt McClure, this time against Concord in the FA Trophy Picture: Matthew Walker

McClure has been joined on double figures by Ibby Akanbi, whose first-half double gave Maidstone a 2-1 win at Havant on Saturday and took his tally to 11.

Head coach Hakan Hayrettin had words with Akanbi during the week and the fired-up striker responded with possibly his best performance in a Stones shirt.

Hayrettin said: "He wasn’t happy with me this week, which is fine, no problems, as long as he does his job.

“We’ve always been taught that you can give praise but you’ve got to accept criticism.

“He was angry and I think he was excellent, he was great value, he worked his socks off for the team and he was unstoppable in some of his play.

“I was rooting for him to get his hat-trick, he worked ever so hard without the ball and with the ball he’s a threat.

"The way he turned the bloke in the box for his first goal and his second finish was sublime."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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