Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin has signed a new 18-month contract.

The deal keeps him at the Gallagher Stadium until the end of next season.

Hayrettin says he is proud and honoured to extend his stay and will give everything to take the club to the next level.

The former Wycombe midfielder joined the Stones three years ago as head coach under John Still.

He was handed sole control when Still stepped down and has Maidstone fighting for promotion in his second full season in charge.

The Stones are second in National South, six points behind Dorking with a game in hand, after an 11-match unbeaten run.

Their form reinforced the board’s faith in Hayrettin, with co-owners Terry Casey and Oliver Ash, together with chief executive Bill Williams, opening contract negotiations.

“I’m pleased to have got it agreed and signed,” said Hayrettin.

“People want to go to work with a smile on their face.

“You can’t put a price on happiness because doing this job affects a lot of things in your personal life.

“If you didn’t enjoy it, you wouldn’t do it.

“During the talks, Terry said he’d never stand in my way if I had a chance to move on.

“I respect and appreciate that but it would take a hell of a big club to get me away from here.

“I’m working for a club with great support and it’s my job to make sure we get it as high as we possibly can.

“The owners and the chief exec have shown faith in me with the new contract and I’ll be trying my best to take the club to the next level.

“I’m pleased and proud that the club want me and I’m honoured to be here working for such a good club, with fantastic people at the helm.

“It’s important to me that we continue the good work but it also means a lot that the owners have acknowledged the hard work I’ve put in along with my staff, who are vitally important to me.

“I have to say, most of this is down to recruitment and hard work. It hasn’t happened by fluke.”

Hayrettin enjoyed a successful playing career, winning the Conference with Wycombe and Barnet.

He was also Still’s right-hand man when Luton won promotion back to the Football League, setting the wheels in motion for their subsequent rise to the Championship.

But there’s something about Maidstone, they’re a club he’s developed a big affection for, and he’s determined to keep them moving in the right direction.

“I feel part of something here,” said Hayrettin.

“I was brought here by John Still, it was the start of something, and hopefully I’ve taken it on from there.

“A lot of hard work goes into being a manager that people don’t see.

“It’s not just about results, you’ve got different aspects that people never see.

“The list is endless and you’ve got to keep everyone on their toes and interested in what you’re doing. The minute people lose interest, you’re in trouble.

“There’s a hell of a lot of work to do but I’m passionate and driven by success.

"No one knows what’s going to happen but one thing I can guarantee is every time the team cross that white line, they will be working hard to get results for the club and the fans.

“Hard work is fundamental to anything. It’s the most important element and ability is secondary.

“If you can show the supporters you’re willing to work and run that little bit harder, you’ll be appreciated.

“When you go to any club with a massive fan base, the expectancy level is a lot higher and it’s no different here.

“You’re never going to please everybody but the supporters have been unbelievable.

“There’s a lot of things we can do to improve but we’re so much better off than most.

“In terms of structure, that’s down to me to implement but this is where I want to be and the first thing is to challenge to get out of this league.

“We know we can’t compete financially with certain teams but that’s where we use our experience and knowledge.

“It’s not always going to be roses and sunshine, as much as I’d like it to be.

“But as long as the supporters get behind the team, I’ll make sure they work as hard as they possibly can for them.”