Jamar Loza's gamble has paid off with his new contract at Maidstone.

Loza turned down other National League offers to fight for his future at the Gallagher Stadium.

He's proved he's over the ankle injury that affected his form last season, landing a one-year deal.

The former Norwich striker said: "Going forward in my career, I think Maidstone was the best option in terms of the set-up, the crowds we get, the manager and the way he wants to play football suits me to a T.

"My first year here was a really good one.

"Obviously last year I was really unfortunate with the injury.

"It set me back, I couldn't get going and by the standards I set myself I had a very bad season.

"But over the off-season I've been working really hard and I hope that pays off.

"I've been doing a lot of training by myself, I've had a personal trainer, I've been meeting up with mates from other clubs.

"I've been doing a lot of stuff, just trying to keep in good shape and making sure my ankle's back to 100%, which I think it is."

Loza returned ahead of schedule following ankle surgery last season.

But it looked to many - including boss Jay Saunders - that he was limping.

Loza didn't agree at the time but accepts now there must have been a problem.

He said: "Because so many people have said it to me, it must be true.

"Not everyone's going to say that without it being correct.

"Personally, I didn't think I was limping but I obviously got used to running that way, so it felt normal to me."

Loza feels Maidstone's new-look team are capable of a promotion challenge, with age no barrier.

He said: "We should be looking for play-offs with the team we've got.

"Obviously we're quite young but I don't see that as an excuse.

"We did our business quite late but the team's coming together nicely now."

Stones new boy Shamir Mullings is backing Loza to deliver.

He said: "I've known Jam from a very long time ago and he's part of the reason, as well as the gaffer and everything, why I've actually come.

"He's sharp, he's quick, he's lightning and he's going to give full-backs and centre-halves trouble this season.

"I'm sure the fans and the boys and the gaffer would love to see it."