Due to their success in the FA Cup, Maidstone was able to recruit Watford’s Michael Adu-Poku on a deadline day loan.
After hearing of the Stones’ interest, the 18-year-old leaped at the chance to sign a contract with them on loan for the remainder of the season. The Stones defeated Taunton 1-0 away Wednesday night.
He followed George Elokobi’s team, like many others, as they made history by making it to the FA Cup last sixteen, a run that made international headlines.
Thus, the quick striker knew it was the proper call when it came in at the conclusion of last week.
Adu-Poku stated, “I received a call from my agent informing me that Maidstone had been considering taking me on loan.”
I was ecstatic since I had heard positive things about the club during its FA Cup run and knew how excellent and well-managed it is.
I couldn’t have been more excited to play.
“The players and the coaches are excellent; they have already been of great assistance to me.
They’re all wonderful, extremely grounded individuals.
They have embraced me and assisted me in settling here quickly.
“For the remainder of the season, I just want to try my hardest to help out.”
Watford saw Adu-Poku while he was playing neighborhood football in north London.
He joined the Hornets in July 2023 and signed a two-year professional deal. He has been with the team since the under-13s.
The academy product briefly played on loan for Southern League Kings Langley prior to joining the Stones.
He made his debut in a 5-1 victory over Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday, coming on as a substitute. He came off the bench in Monday’s 1-1 draw between Welling and United at the Gallagher.
In the Gloucester match between Maidstone and Taunton, where Mo Faal’s goal in the second half put Maidstone in fourth place in National League South, he was not used as a substitute.
It will be fantastic for his development to have the opportunity to compete for promotion, especially because Elokobi’s team is almost guaranteed a play-off spot.
Adu-Poku remarked, “I think the level is brilliant, but people tend to look down at it.”
“As a player, it’s definitely testing me,”
“I’m just trying to improve and I was looking to get out on loan for the rest of the season to get men’s experience.”
Having risen through the youth ranks, Adu-Poku is aiming to play for Watford’s first team.
He’s already trained with them and hopes a successful loan will boost his chances of playing Championship football.
“I’ve been getting minutes in the under-21s and training with the first team at times, which is good experience,” said Adu-Poku. “You want to keep the mistakes to a minimum when you’re with them.
“It’s good because they’re getting on you and it’s realistic because you’ve got to match their pace and play to their quality and their level.
“It’s tough but it can only improve me as a player. I want to make the best out of everything and that’s what I’ve tried to do.
“Going on loan helps because it shows I can handle men’s football. If I do well, you never know what the gaffer might say if he’s looking at academy lads to bring in.”
Stones boss Elokobi and assistant manager Craig Fagan, having played Premier League and Championship football, can advise Adu-Poku on making the grade.
The striker intends to take on board their guidance.
“I’m consuming everything the manager says,” said Adu-Poku. “He’s been brilliant. That’s the respect there because I dream to have the career he’s had.
“Everything he says, just listen and take the advice, and the same goes for Craig Fagan.”
Leave a Reply