Joan Luque’s work is done on the pitch but he’s found himself an alternative role as Maidstone close in on the National South title.

Luque, out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury at Dartford on Easter Monday, joined away fans behind the goal as United won 4-0 at Hemel Hempstead last weekend.

The Spaniard, Maidstone’s 22-goal leading scorer, enjoyed his afternoon on the terraces.

Nothing replaces the buzz of playing, with Luque gutted to miss the run-in, but he’s making the best of the situation.

“It’s a tough one to take, especially where we are in the league and after all the hard work, not to be able to play these last games,” said Luque.

“But, as I said to the boys, I’ll be in the stands giving my everything, like another supporter.

“I’m helping the boys as much as I can.

“I loved being in with the fans, it was hilarious.

“I can’t sit down because I get nervous. I just need to take my adrenaline out, so the best way to do that is to get behind the goal, get singing and be as loud as possible.

“It’s enjoyable because the fans love it and I love it.

“That’s just me. Being Spanish, I don’t know if it’s just my culture, but I’m quite close to people. It doesn’t matter if you’re my mum, my team-mate, the fans, I’m close to people.

“I talk to everyone, I try to be kind to everyone, that’s how my family taught me to be, that’s their legacy.”

Luque says he broke down at Dartford, immediately aware the injury would rule him out of the final few games.

But what a contribution he’s made, with dazzling performances and goals leading Maidstone to the National South summit and the brink of the championship.

They need a maximum of six points going into the final three games to give Luque the first title of his career.

He’d love to be out there but is backing his team-mates to deliver without him.

“No one can take away what I’ve done this season but this could be the first time I win the league - any league,” said Luque.

“After contributing as much as I have done, not to be on the pitch when that whistle goes, and be able to jump around with everyone, that would be tough.

“I mean, I will jump around on my crutches, but it’s not the same.

“The boys have been brilliant. Two more wins and we’re there or, who knows, maybe Dorking will drop points.

"I don’t know but we know they’re pushing hard behind us so we have to push hard to stay in front of them.

“Hopefully the boys will do the job.

“I’ve won a promotion and stayed up on the last day and played some play-offs but never won a title. It would be brilliant to do that.”

Maidstone host Chelmsford on Saturday and play their penultimate game of the season at Welling on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm).

The final game of the season, at home to Hampton & Richmond next weekend, is a 4,175 sell-out, with fans racing to snap up tickets for what they hope will be a title party.