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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin says goalkeepers Yusuf Mersin and Tom Hadler are so good he might rotate them this season

Maidstone manager Hakan Hayrettin has no problem with rotating his goalkeepers.

Yusuf Mersin got the nod over Tom Hadler for the Stones’ National League opener at Altrincham last weekend and made a number of fine saves in a 1-1 draw.

Yusuf Mersin started the season at Altrincham but is not guaranteed a place in Stones' 1st XI this weekend. Picture: Steve Terrell
Yusuf Mersin started the season at Altrincham but is not guaranteed a place in Stones' 1st XI this weekend. Picture: Steve Terrell

But he could still make way for Hadler when Maidstone host fellow promoted side York City at the Gallagher on Saturday, with Hayrettin struggling to choose between the two.

He’s effectively got two No.1s at the club and it will be down to the pair to fight it out for the shirt.

Asked what gave Mersin the edge at Altrincham, Hayrettin said: “I’ve just been watching pre-season, really.

“He agreed a deal quicker than Tom, Tom’s got a great personality and is a great goalkeeper and, who knows, next Saturday, I might play Tom, to have a look at him.

“My gut told me to go with Yus for the first game, I’ve watched training all week and that’s what it was.

“There’s nothing between them. Either of them could play and we’d probably have the same result.

“I haven’t got a first-choice, and I haven’t got a problem with changing it. They’re both as good as each other.

“I’m pleased for Yus, he did well, and I want Tom to get in now and push him as much as he can. They can push each other. It will bring out the best in them.”

Hayrettin can’t wait to take on York in a battle of two promoted clubs.

While the Stones won National South last season, the Minstermen came up via the National North play-offs.

The visitors were 2-0 winners over Woking on the opening day and are tipped to fare well under John Askey, the man who led Macclesfield to the National League title in 2018.

Maidstone dug deep with 10 men to take a point at Altrincham and now Hayrettin wants to see their attacking game shine in their first home match of the season.

“The Gallagher’s going to be rocking on Saturday,” said the Stones boss. “Bring it on.

“There’ll be 3,000 there, maybe more, and they can see the true Maidstone. I’m looking forward to it.

“York can be as ambitious as they want, and that’s entirely up to them to do that, and they will be a good footballing side, we know that.

“We need to do our preparation, do our homework, get everybody ready and we can go again. I can’t wait.”

Maidstone last met York at the Gallagher on the opening day of the 2016/17 season, the game finishing 1-1. It was the Stones’ first game following promotion, while City were newly relegated from League 2.

They also shared a 1-1 draw at Bootham Crescent later that season, a result that triggered Maidstone’s survival push, while York surprisingly suffered another relegation.

Maidstone host Dorking on Tuesday.

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