Max Sutton has enjoyed a brief taste of life in the Maidstone United first team and can’t wait for more after agreeing a deal with the senior side next season.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin has handed the 17-year-old a first team contract until 2022 - along with fellow teenager Perri Iandolo - having already included the teenager in a recent friendly.

Sutton made his first team debut in a friendly match against Ramsgate in December, after a recommendation from under-23 coach Simon Austin and the left-back remained around the first team ever since.

It’s likely he would have played for the Stones had the season restarted but now he can concentrate on making an impact in the 2021/22 campaign.

“I got 20 minutes in a friendly which I wasn’t expecting it,” said the Maidstone-born left-back.

“I enjoyed every minute and I am looking forward to many more minutes in the future.

“Hopefully I will do well with the step up and adapt to it.”

Sutton has been with the club since joining as an under-8 and Hayrettin hopes to see the player continue his development now with the senior side.

He said: “This is one of those football fairytales, isn’t it? Local lad comes through the club and gets into the first-team squad. I am really pleased for him.

“The moment I saw Max in training I knew he had something about him. He’s calm and composed on the ball and has great potential. This is an opportunity for him to learn the men’s side of the game and progress his career.

“I hope Max’s signing sends a message to all those coming through the club, especially in the academy and under-23s, that there are opportunities for them. Work hard, give it everything and who knows, you might be next to make that step up.”

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