Blair Turgott retains his links to Maidstone as he prepares for the next chapter in his career.

Turgott is set to leave Swedish club Ostersunds following their relegation from the top flight.

It was a successful spell personally for the former Stones captain, whose form in Scandinavia led to an international debut for Jamaica and a place in their Gold Cup squad, helping them to the quarter-finals.

His double-figure goal tally in a relegated side alerted clubs back home and abroad and the 27-year-old, who’s in the final six months of his contract, has plenty of options.

Whatever the future holds, it will include Maidstone as Turgott gears up for the return of his half-term holiday camp at Archbishop Courtenay School in Tovil.

It was where it all started for Turgott’s Shooting Talent Sports programme, launched while recovering from injury at Maidstone, and he’s delighted to once again have the chance to give something back to youngsters after the pandemic largely put their activities on hold.

All being well, Turgott will be there in person and youngsters attending the camp (booking details at the end of the story) can only be inspired by Turgott’s Sweden experience and subsequent international honours.

“I’m just trying to sort out my next move or my next step,” said Turgott, who’s in warm-weather training, following the conclusion of the Allsvenskan season.

“There’s a few options, I’m just sitting down waiting to see the best one.

“I have six months left in Sweden but there was a lot of interest from last season.

“We’ve been negotiating but it’s just waiting for everything to get over the line.

“I’ve had options from abroad, I’ve had options from England but right now I’m in a place where I’m really appreciated and I want to carry on doing well, so it’s important the next move is right.

“When I was at Maidstone I did have some League 1 interest but to be fair I met the chief executive at Ostersunds and he sold it to me.

“If I come back to England it would have to be either top end of League 1 or Championship really because that’s where I feel I deserve to be and that’s where I think I can play, that’s where I want to establish myself.

“Obviously, in Europe, there’s teams who play in the Europa League and stuff, and they’re challenging for titles so it’s difficult decisions but I’ve sat down with my family and everyone and I'm just trying to work out the best option. Hopefully it won’t be too long until it gets sorted out.”

Relegation - just as it did at Maidstone in 2019 - hurt Turgott as Ostersunds struggled without him following his Jamaica call-up.

But it’s been a memorable time in mainland Europe for the forward, who started his career at West Ham.

He said: “The worst thing is it was such a good season for me it probably hindered the team because obviously I did well, got into the international Jamaica team and went away to the Gold Cup, and I was away for basically two months so I missed five to six games and in that time the team was losing and had a lot of injuries.

“I made loads of steps in my career but it was obviously disappointing to get relegated because nobody wants to go out like that.

“I’m so grateful for the experience because it taught me so much about myself and that’s what life is, life’s about growing and evolving and it’s definitely been a great step for me.

“It all coincided with my performances on the pitch as well because I was happy, my family was happy, I was in a place where I felt it was another Maidstone environment, where I felt like I was at home, and it made me play some of the best football of my career.

“It’s crazy because when I look at my journey in football, I took the long route.

“I dropped out of West Ham and found it hard to find a home, bouncing around a few other clubs trying to find myself and that’s why I’ve always got so much love for Maidstone.

“The support was there from day one, I’ve stayed in touch with people and no matter how good or bad your career goes, you know you can always pick up the phone.

“I’ve learnt a lot and the journey’s been crazy. Who would have thought when I was at Maidstone, two years down the line I’d be playing for Jamaica against some world-class players at the Gold Cup?

“When you have experiences in your career sometimes you don’t take in what is happening but in 10 years’ time I’m going to look back teary-eyed at all these videos and YouTube compilations.”

Jamaica reached the last eight of the Gold Cup, bowing out 1-0 to America.

“I remember the first game I stepped out in the Gold Cup,” recalls Turgott.

“Full stadium, an amazing atmosphere, and sometimes you have to pinch yourself but at the same time you deserve to be there as well, so you’ve just got to try and take the chance with both hands.

“It’s an amazing experience travelling around the world representing your country, it’s something money can’t buy.

“To walk out, playing massive games, that’s the reason why you play football at a young age.

“When you’re finally on those stages you really have to take it in and you have to realise you’ve worked so hard for this moment.”

Closer to home, Turgott takes just as much - sometimes more - satisfaction from his work with youngsters.

Next week’s half-term holiday camp at Archbishop Courtenay runs from Monday to Thursday (9am-3pm) and is for boys and girls aged five to 12.

“We’ve been filtering back into our campuses and we’re happy we can do something now,” said Turgott.

“I’m really looking forward to having the holiday camp back in half-term and, if I can, coming down in person.

“I’ve been travelling round the world but these moments are sometimes even better because you’re giving something back to young kids.

“We’re excited to get back out there doing our work in the community.

“Any kids in Kent who would like to come along, it will be a great occasion and lots of fun as well.

“The kids always seem to enjoy it and we’ve been planning this for a while.

“We’re so happy to relaunch it and Archbishop Courtenay - as the first school we worked with - is the perfect place.”

Cost of the holiday camp is £15 per day or £40 for three or four days. Book your spot by calling or texting 07722 017913. You can also email shootingtalentsports@outlook.com.