Stuart Lewis jumped at the chance to join Maidstone after learning his Ebbsfleet days were numbered.

The midfielder has gone from being a fringe player in the division below to a key man at the Gallagher as United fight to stay in the National League.

Fleet fans were unhappy to see their player-of-the-year allowed to leave by boss Daryl McMahon, with the 29-year-old joining Maidstone on loan for the rest of the season.

Former Wycombe captain Lewis said: “I wasn’t part of the manager’s plans at Ebbsfleet.

“He made it clear that he wanted to go a different route and unfortunately I wasn’t part of that.

“Obviously I was disappointed at the time but as soon as I heard of Maidstone’s interest I wanted to come here. It was first choice for me.

“Playing in a higher league and the support they’ve got here and what the gaffer’s done over the past three or four years, it was something that really appealed.

“You have to get on with your career and personally I had to do what’s best for me.

“The fans at Ebbsfleet and the board and that were always good with me, so I can’t say a bad word about them but it’s on to a new challenge now.

“I’ve always given my all and that’s what I’ll aim to do. I think Ebbsfleet fans will back that up from my last two years there.

“When I left Wycombe two years ago I felt I was a Football League player.

“I went to Ebbsfleet because of the project they were building and now it’s a challenge to come here and play at a higher level and keep Maidstone in this league.”

Lewis starred on his debut as Maidstone moved out of the relegation places with victory over Torquay.

He’s convinced Jay Saunders’ side have what it takes to stay up.

He said: “We’re back out of the bottom four and the gaffer here and the staff are positive and have got a real good football way about them. It’s refreshing for me to be around that.

“I’ve watched from afar what the gaffer’s done here but for me it’s excellent and the support as well, flipping hell, there’s a good buzz around and that win was a great feeling."

Read the full interview in Friday's Kent Messenger