Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan says he won’t beg anybody to stay following Alfie Tuck’s departure in search of regular football

Maidstone manager Craig Fagan has no intention of keeping unhappy players at the club.

Midfielder Alfie Tuck asked to leave the Gallagher Stadium last week in search of regular first-team football and has since joined fellow National League South club Hemel Hempstead.

Tuck joined the Stones after leaving QPR but had grown frustrated after starting only three games, alongside seven substitute appearances.

“There’s a player in there and I’m sad to see him leave in terms of wanting to leave,” said Fagan.

“He didn’t get much game time, of course. That’s my decision. I wanted more from him. I thought he was going to come in and dominate possession a little bit more and be a little bit more physical at times.

“If the hunger’s not there to stay and try and win a shirt, no problem. Anyone that starts has to earn the right.

“He wanted to leave. I wish him all the best. He’s a nice lad. I’ve nothing bad to say about him. It wasn’t a problem in the group. At the end of the day, it’s opinions in football. I had it when I was a player and Alfie will have it.

“One of the reasons he’s gone to Hemel is the QPR link. The manager (Marc Bircham) used to play for QPR, so if that gets the best out of him, then I hope he does well there.”

Fagan heard “murmurings” Tuck was unhappy after failing to get on in Maidstone’s 2-1 win at Horsham last weekend. Talks followed and his exit was agreed.

“I heard he spoke to his agent and wanted to leave because he didn’t get much game time,” added Fagan.

“I asked if he had that fight and desire to get back in. I told him to go away and have a think about it and his answer was he still wanted to go, so no problem.

“Anybody who doesn’t want to be at this football club and be in front of these fans and be