1 week Ago By [email protected] (Craig Tucker)
Inspirational Sittingbourne kitman Kieran Payne has been given the all-clear after recovering from a brain tumour. Payne, who was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023, shared his news in a post on social media. “MRI results have come back all clear and I have been discharged from the Royal Marsden,” wrote the 25-year-old.
“What an incredible hospital - I feel so lucky to have received my treatment there.” Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell struck up a close friendship with Payne, who’s also worked as a matchday steward, after taking charge more than two years ago. Maxwell has nothing but admiration for a man who has inspired many at the club with his positive attitude.
“Kieran is a friend of mine, a great friend, and I really do care about him,” said Maxwell. “He’s been a support for me without knowing it because I just looked at this young man going through hell, as brave as a lion, not once whimpering or showing any kind of sadness, sorrow, or feeling sorry for himself, just incredible inner strength. “He’ll say thanks to us for all that but he’s done it all himself.
“I remember bringing him into the changing room away to Winchester in the FA Trophy this season and the team-talk I gave was about him. “I said before the game, we’re not allowed to be tired today, I can’t look at Kieran and accept that we’ll be tired at any time because that boy would stand on his feet to cheer you if it was the last thing he did. “After the game I brought him in, he was in a wheelchair, and I gave a small speech about Kieran and just how much he inspires me.
” The door is open for Payne, a big Sittingbourne fan, to resume kitman duties whenever he feels ready. Maxwell added: “That’s the goal. “We’re here for whatever he wants or whatever he’s capable of.
“He’s got the all-clear and now it’s step by step and never to rush him, but there’s always going to be a place for Kieran Payne at this football club while I’m here. “He’s part of the fabric, part of the team. “I’ll never forget when I first took over what a help he was, how genuine he was.
“He’s got such a pure heart and the world certainly needs more Kieran Paynes.” Sittingbourne remain seven points behind Isthmian South East leaders Ramsgate, with four games to play, after beating Erith Town 3-0 on Saturday. Top scorer Mitchell May struck twice on a rare start since his red card in the Trophy win at Winchester in November.
He’s had to be patient but could have a big part to play in the final weeks of the season. May opened the scoring from Troy Howard’s cross and made it 2-0 from the penalty spot before Henry Sinai clinched victory. The striker has moved on to 26 goals for the season and will be hoping to keep his place at East Grinstead this Saturday (3pm).
“I’m pleased for Mitch,” said Maxwell. “He’s had a bit of a learning curve and he’s had to be patient, which is part of his development. “It’s been frustrating for him but ultimately it was purely having to be patient after a red card as the team kicked on.
“He’s a super player, a super talent, a super goalscorer and he was brilliant on Saturday. His all-round game was tremendous. “He’s hitting form just when we need him to.
“When you get sent off, it’s not just the day that’s affected, it could be weeks and weeks if the team’s doing really well. It’s something he’ll learn from. “The sending-off itself was immature, although it was a little bit harsh.
“He’s a young man, it’s only really his second season of senior football and I’m sure he’s going to learn an awful lot from it because it did cost him his place. “He would have scored an awful lot more goals, so it’s a harsh lesson, but one that will do him the world of good for the future. “We’ve got four league matches to go and to get him up and running at full pelt is great timing.
“OK, he’s had a quiet period but it’s all about how you finish and hopefully he hits the form we all know he’s capable of.” Maxwell paid tribute to Sinai after the winger scored his 16th goal of the season in Sittingbourne’s win over Erith. “He’s had a tremendous season,” said the manager.
“On a personal note, I’m unbelievably pleased for him. “He’s an absolute diamond of a man. He’s brave as a lion, summed up by his goal on Saturday, a diving header.
“He seems to have a knack of scoring massive goals. “He’s a man of faith and I think his faith has really proven to be a factor in his form because he gave all he’s got last summer to get fit, to be available, to impress us. “All the hard work has been done by him.
I’m so happy for him.” Meanwhile, defender Jack Steventon returned to the bench on Saturday, way ahead of schedule. He was ruled out for the season after dislocating his knee in February but could now play some part after avoiding surgery.
“If you believe in minor miracles...
” said Maxwell. “I looked at him and said this man here is going to be available before the last game of the season, I’m telling you now. “If we need him for five minutes, then that’s what he is training for.
“If that doesn’t sum up someone’s character, I don’t know what does. “He’s happy to train his heart out for that opportunity. That’s how invested he is in Sittingbourne.
“It just shows you what’s possible if you rehab properly and when you’re positive and do things the right way, you can come back without an operation, albeit not in everyone’s case. Full credit to the man. It’s a tremendous effort.
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