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Being back in full-time football is driving Ebbsfleet midfielder Jack Paxman to greater heights this season.
The gifted 26-year-old has hit the ground running at Stonebridge Road with an impressive start to the season.
And, having juggled a year in part-time football at Billericay last season alongside a full-time job, he’s determined to make the most of another chance to play full-time.
“When you’ve seen the other side, it makes you appreciate it even more,” said Paxman.
“You want to put the extra time in now, go in the gym for that little bit longer if you can and that’s what I’m trying to do at the moment.
“I was working for a car repair garage, it was long hours and I had to juggle it with training and I had to work at weekends as well. That’s behind me now and I want to keep it that way.
“I’m back in full-time football here which I wasn’t in last year so coming from the other side where I was going to work and then trying to play at the same time, it makes me not take anything for granted anymore. I’m just pleased with how things are working out at the moment.
“Playing part-time and then coming back full-time has increased my desire to stay there now. I spoke to a few of my friends this week about it, and working last year constantly and trying to play it makes you realise how privileged this position is to be in full-time football.
“It’s something I don’t want to lose again so I’ll keep working and make sure I stay in it.”
Paxman left Maidstone in March 2019 after four years at the Gallagher.
Not only is Paxman back in full-time circles, he’s playing at a club where it seems a perfect fit.
German Dennis Kutrieb has given his midfield players the freedom to express themselves – and Paxman should benefit more than most.
“I’m just enjoying playing football,” added Paxman. “The manager believes in me and it’s given me a new lease of life.
“It’s great for me to find a manager who suits me perfectly. I’ve always had that style of almost European football where I want to get the ball on the floor and maybe take a risk or two that some clubs don’t like and some managers don’t like.
“But this manager has really given me the belief to do what I’m capable of and it’s paying off at the moment.
“I can’t moan at all. I look forward to coming in every day. We’ve got a great group of boys, we’re all in it together and I think it’s going to be a great season.”
Paxman was part of a 10-man Ebbsfleet side that drew 1-1 with Dulwich in National League South on Saturday.
He seemed to get stronger and better as the game went on, and he insists there is still more to come.
“Playing with 10 men is always tough but it’s testament to the work we put in through pre-season to see the fitness levels of everybody,” said Paxman.
“We felt we could have won the game the whole time, we didn’t feel we were going to lose at any stage.
“I would say I’ve got a little bit more to come. It was such a long time off football and you can do as much work at home as you want during lockdown but nothing replicates playing 90 minutes – especially when you’ve got 10 against 11.
“I feel fit, but give me three or four more games and I’ll be even fitter.”
As for his aims this season, Paxman added: “I want to get promoted. Everyone at the club wants that. Ideally, we win the league, if we go through the play-offs then we go through them, but I want to get promoted – simple as that.”
