Gavin Rose talks about the big games, one of our boys going professional & a bit of a keeper crisis...Read on

It was a tough game against a very good side on Tuesday. Were you happy with a point?

"On balance yes, I suppose I was. Obviously we managed to take the lead, but didn't win the game, I thought we had enough chances to see them off. And we missed the penalty. But Maidstone had their chances too & are a decent side. Overall I thought a draw was a fair result, on reflection of the game."

But there's bad news on the goalkeeping front, I hear. What's the latest on Phil Wilson?

"Yes, Unfortunately Phil will be out for the rest of the season, he may just make the last week of the season. He has been excellent all season, & he sustained it being his usual brave self, diving at the feet of the opposition. At the moment I'm running round trying to fill the void."

There's not much room for manoevre in the budget. Could the "12th Man" help at all?

" We are on a set budget, and the Club have been very good at somehow finding budget each week. It can't be easy & credit to the owner & the Football Club committee for fulfilling their side each week, even when there's been no games. But the "12th Man" can give us that little bit extra, & Shaun Dooley has made me aware that they can help, if needed. We could bring in one or two more bodies, but it's the end of the season, & good players are hard to come by, so it has to be right for the team. I don't want to take the money off of the "12th Man" just for the sake of it, but make sure it's well spent when needed."

While on the subject of players is it right that Calaum Martin has gone to Hull City?

"Yes, he had been up there for a few days trial, and they have now signed him on an eighteen month contract. He wasn't on contract with us, so we don't get a fee, that was on the wishes of his agent. But that wasn't a hindrance, we knew that might happen, and there's certainly no sourness on my part. I wish him all the best, he did ok for us."

And it's the big 'derby' game on Saturday at Tooting. Hopefully our supporters will turn out in force for such a local game. It means a huge amount to the fans, but do the players really notice their backing?

" Oh, yes, of course they do. Even with the large amount of away fans from Maidstone on Tuesday night our players commented afterwards about how could still hear our fans cheering them on. It really gees them up. The fans could have been quiet, but we don't want that as it does make a difference, I don't know if the supporters realise that, but it does."