Advice from England boss Roy Hodgson has stood Maidstone academy head coach Jack Parkinson in good stead.

Parkinson, who also plays football for Skrill Premier Woking, has built a thriving academy at the Gallagher Stadium.

He helped striker Alfie Pavey earn a two-year scholarship with Millwall, while Charley Robertson and Jack Sullivan have broken into United's first team.

Parkinson became the youngest coach in the south east to earn the UEFA A Licence, aged 21.

He was on a course with professional footballers including West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt.

That led to a chance to observe Hodgson during his days at the Hawthorns before succeeding Fabio Capello as England manager.

Parkinson, now 24, said: "Knowing Chris, I was fortunate to get the chance to watch West Brom training.

"I've met Roy and his successor, Steve Clarke, and it was good to see how they do things.

"The big thing Roy said was that whoever you're working with, make sure you have control of the group and they enjoy what they're doing.

"Players don't want to be turning up every day seeing training as a chore."

Maidstone are holding an academy open evening for next September's intake at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday night (November 18, 7.30pm).

The two-year course sees post-16 school leavers study at the ground and play for the academy team.