Maidstone have signed striker Adam Birchall on a season-long loan from Bromley.

The former Gillingham man could be on the bench when United host Chelmsford in National League South on Monday (3pm).

Stones boss Jay Saunders has been looking to add to his options in attack and Birchall, who helped Bromley win Conference South last season, fits the bill.

Saunders said: “He was someone we spoke about in the summer. We had a little chat with Bromley over a swap deal when they were interested in Jack Parkinson.

“They’ve not wanted to let him go completely, hence why it’s a loan deal, and why it’s taken a bit of time. There were also two or three other clubs in for him who Bromley needed to speak to but we're Birch's hometown club and he was keen to come here."

Birchall earned a move to Gillingham in 2011 after scoring 45 goals in one season for Dover in Conference South.

A serious knee injury wrecked his Gills career before it had started but Saunders is confident the 30-year-old has plenty to offer.

The Stones boss said: “I said all along I was happy with three strikers but when good players are available, you have to look at it.

“He’s got a lot of quality on the ball and can play up front, off the striker or out wide in a 4-3-3, and he’s even played in midfield, so he gives us plenty of options.

“I know he didn’t play loads of games for Bromley last season but he was still part of a team who won the league.

“Speaking to Birch, it’s the fittest he’s been for four years. He’ll certainly play a big part but to say whether someone still has goals in them is difficult.

“He’ll always be remembered for that season at Dover but if you ask him, he’ll say he’s not had enough of a run of games to score goals.

"Time will tell but he brings a lot more than goals to the team.”