Jerome Binnom-Williams has signed a new contract at Maidstone - and his manager couldn’t be happier.

Binnom-Williams was one player Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin didn’t have an option on, meaning the popular left-back would have been free to walk away.

But the 27-year-old, voted players’ player-of-the-year, is on board for Maidstone’s first season back in the National League after agreeing a new deal.

“He deserves that deal,” said Hayrettin. “He’s someone who did exceptionally well for this football club.

“He needs to continue doing well at the next level and he’s more than capable of doing that.

“I’ve said it before but he’s got that wonderful smile that makes it a privilege and a pleasure to come to work.

“People have to be happy going to work. That's very important.

“Ultimately, it’s a results business and our results put a smile on his face because we had that unbelievable run and he was a big part of that.

"As time went by his confidence grew and he was absolutely unbelievable.

“He’s been fantastic for this club and long may it continue for him. He’s got every tool to do well and he’s just a good person to have around.”

Binnom-Williams, who’s played in the Football League for Chesterfield, Peterborough and Southend, made 34 appearances as the Stones won National South.

He chipped in with four goals, including a goal-of-the-season contender in a 4-0 win at Hemel as Hayrettin’s side closed in on the championship.

The defender’s form saw him named in the National South team-of-the-season, alongside team-mates Joe Ellul and player-of-the-season Joan Luque, while Hayrettin took the manager-of-the-year award.