Maidstone beat off big competition to sign Jon Benton - including from teams in the league above.

Attacking midfielder Benton, 23, joined the Stones on loan from Solihull Moors on Friday.

He made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 win at St Albans on the opening day of the National League South season.

Manager George Elokobi said at the start of last week the club were always looking to strengthen.

And Benton, the former Southend and Aveley man, was exactly the type of player they had in mind.

He had plenty of suitors before deciding on the Stones.

“As a football club, a management team, a recruitment committee, we are always watching,” said Elokobi.

“We always have to keep an eye on the squad and see what the balance is like and it’s important when you do that, we’re not just bringing players for numbers, we’re bringing players to add quality, value and make us stronger.

“Especially in the attacking areas because it does matter a lot and you need that creativity in the final third and he’s got bundles of that.

“He’s been tested in this league, you saw it last season, hence why he got the deserved move into the National League with Solihull.

“The opportunity came to sign him and I was really delighted he chose us because he had so many offers, including a couple in the National League.

“So that tells you what we are doing here where players are looking, players speak to each other and they like what they see happening and it’s important they want to be part of it.

“They can see it’s a community club we’ve got here and we come as one and he couldn’t wait to get started.

“He was delighted to join us and we are delighted to have him here and he’s going to be a big part of what we are trying to do going forward.”