Dartford boss Steve King has paid tribute to Maidstone’s head of football John Still ahead of their double header.

The teams meet at Princes Park in the National League this Saturday before locking horns again seven days later at the Gallagher in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.

“What John has done in non-league and up to League 1 not many people will surpass that, and that’s a fact,” said King.

“He’s won the National League three times. He’s still got the bug for it, I saw him at the weekend as I was watching their game. He epitomises non-league football, doesn’t he? Everyone’s got different ways, John’s got his way and I’ll have my way.

“But he’s someone you’ve got to look at and say ‘wow’ – plus he’s sold players as well.

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“I looked at that when I started my career. I’ve now won leagues, been promoted, had cup runs and sold players on. He’s someone that I looked up to with what he’s achieved.”

They’ll see plenty of each other as well with a Kent Senior Cup second round tie to arrange in the coming weeks and it means King will be up against a man he worked for when Still was in charge at Dagenham.

“When I was out of work he said why don’t you come in and be my head of recruitment,” recalled King.

“I went and had a meeting and we immediately did it. I had six or seven scouts underneath me and I used to send them to games.

“They were great people, the scouts that John has had he’s looked after them for years. They are a really nice group.

“I did that for a bit and enjoyed it. Was I missing the dugout? Yes, you do but I was still going out and watching players and seeing games.”

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