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Maidstone United forward Sol Wanjau-Smith explains how he'll approach National League football as debut nears

Summer signing Sol Wanjau-Smith can’t wait to get going in the National League after throwing himself into life in Maidstone.

The exciting forward has moved to the town from his home in Bristol after joining from Hungerford and, with Regan Booty’s help, is getting to know the area.

Sol Wanjau-Smith in pre-season action against Enfield Picture: Steve Terrell
Sol Wanjau-Smith in pre-season action against Enfield Picture: Steve Terrell

A knee injury has delayed his debut but Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin believes he isn’t far away from featuring.

Wanjau-Smith was one of the best players in National South last season, scoring six goals and providing 17 assists, and wants to show what he can do at the next level.

“I know it is a massive step, it’s just about being consistent and sticking to my strengths and knowing what I’m good at,” he said.

“I love playing football. I play the same way whether I’m playing in the park with my mates or trying to play in the National League.

“I think I’m always going to play with a smile on my face, try and take people on, that’s the way I play.

“I’ve set goals but I’m just going to try and enjoy myself and hopefully nail down a starting position but who knows?”

With Joan Luque out until the new year, there’s an opportunity for Wanjau-Smith to stake his clam on the left of a front three.

They’re big shoes to fill but there’s no pressure on the 23-year-old, who will have played at every step of non-league football once he’s made his Stones debut.

Wanjau-Smith said: “As as attacker, Hak’s been quite open that you can go and express yourself in the final third, try and create opportunities for people, go and score goals.

"At the end of the day, that’s what wins football matches.

Maidstone United forward Sol Wanjau-Smith Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone United forward Sol Wanjau-Smith Picture: Steve Terrell

"If we’re playing a front three, I’m happy to play anywhere across the front three but I think I'm most comfortable on the left. I think that’s where my attributes are best placed.

“Unfortunately Luque’s had such a horrible injury.

“I’ll try and fill his boots for the time being, that would be awesome, it’s just wherever the gaffer wants to use me.

“I don’t feel any pressure to replace Luque.

“He’s such a massive personality as well and before he went back to Spain I got on really well with him.

"We played PlayStation together all the time.

"I don’t think there’s pressure to fill his boots, it’s just I know what I can do and I’m hopeful I can show the fans what I can do.

“I had a little stint against Enfield, that’s the only minutes I’ve played in pre-season, but hopefully the fans have seen what I’ve got to offer.

"The first thing I noticed is how passionate the fans are, when my signing was announced on Instagram and Twitter.

“It’s a proper club, with a massive fanbase. I had other offers but Maidstone was the place I felt most comfortable. I knew it was the place I wanted to be.”

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