Sol Wanjau-Smith was never going to burn his bridges with Maidstone United.

The forward was released last summer by manager George Elokobi after two years at the Gallagher Stadium.

But he’s rejoined on loan from fellow National League South club Bath until the season of the season, with Elokobi taking the chance to re-sign him.

Wanjau-Smith, 25, jumped at the opportunity to return and got his first minutes as a second-half substitute in Maidstone’s 3-1 win over Eastbourne on Tuesday.

“It takes a big man to turn around and go back on his previous decision and I really respect George for doing that,” said Wanjau-Smith.

“I don’t think it was easy getting rid of me with how I am in the dressing room and around him.

“We have such a good relationship that when he called I knew I wanted to come back.

“I know a lot of people can burn bridges and end on sour notes but we definitely didn’t do that and that’s why I was more than happy to return.

“We’re probably quite proud men but at a certain time in your life you have to curb that.

“I have to think about my career, George has to think about the good of the club, and if it works for both parties…

“I think some players might have had a bit of a chip on their shoulder and said, ‘Do you know what, he’s released me, I don’t want to go and play for him’, but it didn’t feel like that when he released me.

“In the meeting he hugged me and I just got a feeling he maybe wasn’t too sure at the time.”

Wanjau-Smith heard murmurs Maidstone were interested in bringing him back.

And when they approached Bath, there was only one place he wanted to be.

There’s the lure of full-time football at a club where he has unfinished business after Maidstone reached the National League South play-off semi-finals last season.

“When you get the opportunity to play full-time football, it’s not one I could turn down,” said Wanjau-Smith.

“I absolutely love the club, I loved everything about it, I loved being here.

“You don’t want to get your hopes up or over-think things and obviously I was a Bath City player, so I’ve got to focus on playing for them.

“And then when I realised Maidstone contacted Bath and there was some substance behind it, that’s when I got quite excited and said, ‘Do you know what, I want to be back in full-time football’.”

It’s a different squad to the one Wanjau-Smith left behind but one that’s equipped to challenge for promotion.

“There’s so much quality and I really think this group has something special,” he said.

“Some of the players they’ve added have been excellent and done very well in this league before so I don’t see why we can’t go one step further this year.

“The camaraderie is definitely there, it’s a bunch of lads who love playing football and train together every day. What more could you want?

“The vibes are definitely good and obviously we’re on a good unbeaten run at the moment and hopefully that can continue.

“You have to be ambitious, especially at a club of Maidstone’s size in the National League South and if you’re a manager like George Elokobi and you’re a player who wants to play for him.

“You know you have to try and be pushing to win leagues, to get into the play-offs and to be having big results.

“I think that’s the importance of playing for a massive club and the pressure of playing for a massive club like Maidstone is that people expect results.

“We’re not just here to take part, we’re here to do things in this league.”

Speaking about Wanjau-Smith’s return, Stones boss Elokobi said: “When we spoke, it was a no-brainer to do the deal.

“We have to manage him right because he hasn’t been involved for the last two-and-a-half weeks at Bath.

“He’ll be up to speed and he’s going to be a good addition, adding value to us as a football club.

“He’s a winner, he wants to win and it’s important to have those characters in the team.

“He knows us, our principles, our environment and the Maidstone community is something he’s happy to be in.

“We look at the whole package, so we’re absolutely delighted to have him back.

“He’s not stopped smiling although he’s already aged me 10 years since he’s been back!

“He’s someone we love having here and it’s good to have a different character in the building.”