One of Maidstone United’s National League South title-winners is exploring his options after a spell in Ireland.

Christie Pattisson is a free agent after spending the past 18 months with League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford.

The winger, who helped Waterford to a seventh-placed finish in the recently completed season, watched Maidstone’s 3-1 win over Eastbourne last week.

He was among a collection of ex-Stones in the crowd, along with Joe Ellul, TT Walters and Sam Bone, who’s just won the Irish title with Shelbourne.

Pattisson could yet continue in Ireland but wants to see what’s out there.

“Ireland was a good experience,” he said. “I enjoyed it. I spent just over a year-and-a-half there.

“My contract’s done now so I’m exploring and seeing what’s next.

“The standard was very decent, very intense.

“It was tough but I enjoyed myself, I did well, and now I’m back seeing what’s out there.

“I wouldn’t rule out going back to Ireland but at the moment I’m spending time with my family.”

Pattisson turned down initial advances from Waterford, while with the Stones, but had a change of heart after taking a trip over there.

“Waterford’s a nice place,” he said.

“The people are proper nice, welcoming, and it’s peaceful. It’s so different to London and Kent. I really enjoyed it.

“It’s different to here.

“The move came out of nowhere. I had a few offers from them but turned them down, but then I went to see the place and it kind of made my mind up. I thought ‘let me go over for this experience’ and it worked out well.”

Pattisson looks back with fondness on his time with Maidstone, where he won the National League South title under Hakan Hayrettin in 2022.

The memories came flooding back on his return to the Gallagher last week.

“I enjoyed myself very much at Maidstone, especially with the group we had,” he said.

“I’ve got good memories, unbelievable memories that will last a lifetime.”