Blair Turgott is targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup after adding to the Maidstone United connection at Swedish club Halmstad.

Ex-Stones skipper Turgott believes his move from BK Hacken, where he won the Allsvenskan league title two years ago, will help earn a place in Steve McClaren’s Jamaica squad.

In Halmstad, he’s playing for the club where former Maidstone defender Hodgson made his name in management.

Hodgson, who played for United in the 1971/72 season, led a side tipped for relegation to a shock league championship in 1976 and repeated the feat in 1979.

He later won five titles in a row with Malmo as part of a career that included spells with Inter Milan, the Swiss national team, Liverpool and England.

His success has been back in the news in Sweden this season, with the Allsvenskan celebrating its centenary.

“He’s still talked about at Halmstad,” said Turgott, who signed a two-and-half-year deal in July.

“Where it’s the 100th anniversary of the Allsvenskan, they’ve been doing campaigns and talking about the history of every club.

“When it came round to Halmstad, we played in the 1976 kit when they won the league.

“They did a retro theme and everyone was explaining to me this is the Roy Hodgson team and how much of a legend he is in Sweden.

“He’s played a massive part in Swedish football and is one of the pioneers when you think about management.

“There’s pictures plastered everywhere in the stadium, so a lot of people know about it.”

Turgott moved to Sweden from Maidstone five years ago, joining Ostersunds.

He gained international recognition with Jamaica after starring in a struggling side, playing at the Gold Cup.

The former West Ham youngster helped Hacken to the first league title in their history in 2022, opening the scoring in a 4-0 win at Gothenburg that sealed the crown.

But an ACL knee injury sidelined him for months and with game time limited on his return, and his contract running out, he plumped for a move to Halmstad.

They’re not yet safe from relegation, with the season entering its final month, but Turgott is confident they will survive and hopes regular football will lead to an international recall.

Former England boss McClaren, who recently took charge of Jamaica, is the man he must impress as the Reggae Boyz look to qualify for the 2026 World Cup which is being held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“First and foremost, coming here was about being somewhere where I’m going to play every week,” said Turgott.

“My ambition is to play in the World Cup in 2026 so I have to be playing to earn my right to get back in the Jamaica squad.

“I did speak to the previous manager, who was an Icelandic guy, and now we’ve got Steve McClaren, who knows about me from my time in England.

“It’s down to me to show with my performances that I’m ready but it’s definitely my ambition to get back in the squad and push on.

“I’ve played against Steve McClaren, I’ve crossed paths with him, so he would know about me.

“I’d say it helps my chances, having an English manager.

“There’s a lot of English-based players in the squad and nowadays people play in different countries all over the world.

“When you look at the Swedish league, it’s still held in quite high regard and with me having the education and upbringing I had in England, I’ve got a name for myself.

“It would be legendary to play at the World Cup and it’s definitely achievable. I just need to crack on and get the job done.

“It would be the icing on the cake when I look at the journey I’ve been on, starting at West Ham, dropping down the leagues, pushing myself back up, going abroad, playing for Jamaica, winning the league and winning the cup. It would be another big chapter in the book.”

Turgott’s Shooting Talent Sports coaching school are hosting a half-term football camp at Park Way School in Maidstone from October 28-31 (9am-3pm).

It’s for boys and girls aged five to 13 and costs £15 a day or £50 for all four days.

To book, call or text 07985 350366 or email shootingtalentsports@outlook.com