Manny Parry was in the crowd when his old club Stoke played in the FA Cup final and he’s heard all the stories from Maidstone’s run last season.

Now the big defender is hoping it’s his turn to have some fun as United host South Park in the second qualifying round on Saturday, 3pm.

Parry was a youth team player at Stoke when Tony Pulis’ side lost to Manchester City at Wembley four years ago.

He said: “I wasn’t part of the day but I got tickets and it was good to be in the crowd.

“It was a wonderful time for the club and everyone associated with it. I was in the youth team but we helped them prepare for the game. Everyone was so happy to be in the final.”

Last season, while with Grays, Parry watched on television as Stones stunned League 2 Stevenage in a first-round replay before going out to Wrexham. He said: “Even if you weren’t with the club, you knew about the cup run.

“I watched the Stevenage game and was fascinated to see how Maidstone would do against a league team.

“It was a good result and they deserved to win. Anyone who played that night will remember it for a long time.

“It’s still talked about now. Everyone’s desperate for another cup run and to go as far as last year."

Summer signing Parry, 21, has been ever-present in defence for a Maidstone side who have conceded only six goals in 11 Vanarama National League South games.