How Maidstone United winger Joan Luque is dealing with his season-ending knee injury

Joan Luque’s work is done on the pitch but he’s found himself an alternative role as Maidstone close in on the National South title.

Luque, out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury at Dartford on Easter Monday, joined away fans behind the goal as United won 4-0 at Hemel Hempstead last weekend.

The Spaniard, Maidstone’s 22-goal leading scorer, enjoyed his afternoon on the terraces.

Nothing replaces the buzz of playing, with Luque gutted to miss the run-in, but he’s making the best of the situation.

“It’s a tough one to take, especially where we are in the league and after all the hard work, not to be able to play these last games,” said Luque.

“But, as I said to the boys, I’ll be in the stands giving my everything, like another supporter.

“I’m helping the boys as much as I can.

“I loved being in with the fans, it was hilarious.

“I can’t sit down because I get nervous. I just need to take my adrenaline out, so the best way to do that is to get behind the goal, get singing and be as loud as possible.

“It’s enjoyable because the fans love it and I love it.

“That’s just me. Being Spanish, I don’t know if it’s just my culture, but I’m quite close to people. It doesn’t matter if you’re my mum, my team-mate, the fans, I’m close to people.

“I talk to everyone, I try to be kind to everyone, that’s how my family taught me to be, that’s their legacy.”

Luque says he broke down at Dartford, immediately aware the injury would rule him out of the final few games.

But what a contribution he’s made, with dazzling performances and goals leading Maidstone to the National South summit and the brink of the championship.

They need a maximum of six points going into the final three games to give Luque the first title of his