Hippolyte challenges Maidenhead United FC to strive for the top eight

Maidenhead United’s squad has been challenged to reach the top eight this season, by their ambitious manager.

Coming off the back of three defeats out of four Johnson Hippolyte has boldly claimed the Magpies can finish in the top eight this season, if they have a fully fit squad of players to select from.

He said he didn’t want to hear talk about a mini-slump at York Road, following defeats to leaders Eastleigh, Concord Rangers away, and Oxford City in the cup on Saturday.

Hippolyte said he could explain away all three defeats, and insists the team can come flying back and perch themselves nicely near the top of the division come May.

“I’ve seen the top teams and I’ve seen the bottom teams so I’ve got an idea as to where we are,” he said.

“We’ll be alright when we get our bodies back.

“I know that we can be a top eight side when everyone is fit and when the boys come back I expect them to prove that.”

Hippolyte was delighted to have Curtis Ujah back in his side at the weekend and claimed he ‘battered’ the opposition forward at Oxford, who was removed at half-time ‘to spare him further punishment.’

He also hopes to have Matt Ruby available for Saturday’s home match against Havant & Waterlooville at York Road, although it’s touch and go as to whether Mark Nisbet will be fit enough, and Richard Pacquette is set to miss two to three more weeks with his injury.

The Magpies manager added that he needs to get players back from injury quickly.

“I said that we’d only struggle if we had a bad run of injuries, and unfortunately that has happened,” he said.

Hippolyte also said he was looking forward to Curtis Ujah taking on Ryan Bird, on loan from Portsmouth, when Havant & Waterlooville visit York Road on Saturday.

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