MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Jay Saunders says losing loanee Delano Sam-Yorke will be “a big blow” after the forward helped the Stones climb out of the relegation zone.
The 28-year-old former Cambridge United, Lincoln City and Forest Green man joined the Stones at the start of January on a two-month loan deal from league rivals Woking.
Sam-Yorke has scored three times for the Stones and netted in Tuesday night's victory at Dagenham & Redbridge which lifted Saunders' men out of the National League bottom four.
However, an extended stay at the Gallagher Stadium seems out of the question with Saunders expecting his loan star to return to Woking after Saturday's game against relegation rivals Southport as his loan deal expires.
Sam-Yorke, who signed for Woking in the summer, had scored four times in 23 appearances for the Cards and looks set to return to Kingfield as Garry Hill's men also continue to fight against the drop.
Stones boss Saunders told Kent Online: “I've spoken to Garry Hill and they are going to call him back. Southport is his last game.
“That's a big blow, he's been great for us. I'd love to keep him and if you ask Delano I think he would probably like to stay but it was always a two-month loan and I think obviously the position both clubs are in, it was always going to happen.”
Saunders praised his side after their 2-0 win at Dagenham on Tuesday evening, with the Stones playing the final ten minutes with ten men after Stuart Lewis' dismissal.
“I'm just pleased we carried on the little unbeaten run,” the boss added. “We've been good of late and we've come here to a team who are second in the league – and it's a difficult place to come – and got a big three points.
“From the front, all the way through midfield to the back four, we defended well and we looked a threat on the break as well.”
