FIRST WORD | Max Kretzschmar

Max Kretzschmar said Stuart Maynard was one of the main reasons why he joined the club from Woking.

Maynard has previously attempted to sign Kretzschmar and been a long-time admirer of the goal-scoring midfielder. The 28-year-old had his best season at National League level last time out scoring 13 goals and registering a large number of assists, and his capture is a real coup for the Stones. “Stuart’s been on my phone for the last two years, and I got in contact with him a few weeks ago and realised something could be done," said Kretzschmar.

"He’s probably been the biggest draw to me coming here and the way he wants to play, the way he sees me fitting in and how my attributes suit the style of play, he’s been the driving force behind this deal.” Kretzschmar sees himself fitting perfectly into the progressive and attractive way the Stones play. "Obviously Wealdstone dominate possession in most games they play in, so I can have more of the ball," he said. "But they missed a lot of chances last season, dominated games but sometimes didn’t own those big moments. So I’m hoping I can turn up in those big moments and score regularly.” Kretzschmar earned a reputation at Woking for scoring goals in big games and revealed that he has been set a rather daunting target by Maynard for this season. “The gaffer mentioned one [a target] which was really high! So I’ll try to get that one but I’ll keep it to myself," he said. "But I always try to hit double figures as soon as I can, I scored double figures in three out of four seasons [at Woking] but obviously it’s not a given.” Stones fans raised £10,000 to help Maynard get the deal over the line. Kretzschmar said it was a “humbling” gesture and made him “very proud”. “Yeah, it’s amazing. I mean they’ve given me a lot of stick in the past, especially the first game of last season, but they’re a passionate lot and it’s always a raucous atmosphere and it’s got that family feel and that community spirit.” Kretzschmar will be joining the Stones’ pre season squad soon, and with games upcoming against Charlton and QPR, it presents a great opportunity for fans to catch their first glimpse of their new signing in blue and white.

Words by Will Bewsey