DULWICH HAMLET BRING IN ‘STONES WINGMAN ON LOAN

Gavin Rose last night added midfielder Vas Karagiannis to his squad ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to Lowestoft Town

Vas Karagiannis initially joined Maidstone United from Ryman League Premier Division side Leatherhead in December 2015. A standout player in the Tanners’ squad, and a firm favourite of the Fetcham Grove faithful, Vas had been a long-term target for Stones’ boss Jay Saunders. In a season and a half at Leatherhead, Karagiannis bagged 35 goals, proving a lethal weapon at free kicks, his proficiency making him a much-prized asset with numerous clubs at higher levels drawn to Fetcham Grove in the hopes of tempting him away.

Born in Greece, Vas spent time in France playing for FC de Chambly-Thelle based in the Picardy region before moving to England to join Welling United in February 2014. A move to Fetcham Grove followed prior to the start of the 2014/2015 season where he quickly established as a core element of manager Richard Brady’s squad. During the season the chance came to move up as Hayes & Yeading manager Phil Babb had spotted his potential but, after a couple of appearances, he returned to Leatherhead.

Karagiannis’ willingness to take on players and shoot, plus his dead-ball ability, made him a big crowd favourite at the Gallagher Stadium, scoring several goals, and creating many more, with his devastating set-pieces as ‘Stones earned promotion to the National League via a penalty shootout win over Ebbsfleet United. However, this season he has found first-team opportunities limited, playing second fiddle to ex-Dover Athletic winger Tom Murphy. Prior to a recent loan spell at Margate he had made just two first team appearances, both as substitute.

Maidstone have agreed that Karagiannis can play for Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Trophy and he could make his debut in Pink and Blue in this Saturday’s away tie against Lowestoft Town.