'If they want me to go, I'll go' - Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin responds to critics after 4-1 defeat at York City and explains loan signing of Yoan Zouma

Hakan Hayrettin says he will leave Maidstone - if that’s what fans want.

Hayrettin oversaw a sixth successive National League defeat as United lost 4-1 at York on Saturday.

It was the Minstermen’s first home win in three months.

Boss Hayrettin has also faced criticism for his decision to sign Yoan Zouma, the defender convicted after filming his brother kicking a cat, on loan from Dagenham.

He said the centre-back, who was sentenced to 140 hours’ community service, “deserved a second chance” and was “full of remorse” for what happened.

Calls for his dismissal are nothing new to Hayrettin, who appeared to have produced the ultimate response by delivering the National South title last season.

But with two wins in 21 league games leaving Maidstone second-bottom at the higher level, the knives are out again.

“Fine,” said Hayrettin. “I’ve had it since I’ve been here.

“I’ve been here four seasons and every season they’ve wanted me out. If they want me to go, I’ll go.”

That, in reality, is the last thing Hayrettin wants.

He’s always maintained he will keep Maidstone in the National League.

They’re only three points from safety, albeit having played three games more than the sides immediately outside the bottom four.

“I still say we’ll stay up because I’m a fighter and I’m a realist and I’ll always give 100%,” said Hayrettin. “I’m sure the players will as well.

“We’ve always turned it round before.

“We’ve worked hard but this season is more challenging than the rest of them.

“I still maintain the injuries we’ve had have killed us.

“You look at our back four. I keep having to shuffle the pack to try and get a team out.”

The arrival of Zouma has split opinion.

He had an uncomfortable debut, capped by a 30-yard own goal as York won