Maidstone winger Mark Marshall has an eye on playing into his 40s.

Marshall, 35, played for some big clubs during a 14-year Football League career, including Coventry, Bradford and Charlton.

He’s back where it all started, in non-league football, following his move to the Gallagher last month.

But the passion for football burns as brightly as ever and he intends to keep going and going.

“Everything goes full circle,” said Marshall, who started his career with Isthmian League Carshalton in 2005.

“For me, I respect any level I’m playing at.

“I’ve not come to this level thinking, ‘Oh no, I’ve dropped down to the National League’.

“I’m going to respect the level, I’m going to prepare myself properly, physically and mentally, and I’m going to respect the players I’m playing against.

"It’s very important to respect other people’s hard work and to respect your own work.

“That’s how you get the best out of yourself.

“Hopefully, by respecting the level, you can excel.

“It’s easy to respect the level because I love the game.

“Anything you have passion for, you’re going to respect it, the ups, the downs and the in betweens.

“I enjoy playing football. That’s why I’m still playing and I’m trying to go on as long as possible.

“Every senior pro I’ve ever spoken to, who's retired, they always say play as long as possible because you’re a long time retired.

“That’s what I’m going to do and when it is time to hang the boots up, I’ll go and play Sunday league.

“Could I still be playing at 40? Absolutely. I definitely feel I’ve got the dynamism to continue to get past players and put crosses in or get shots off.

"Once the body gives up, Sunday league it is.”

Marshall joined Maidstone last month, having left League 2 club Crawley in December, making his debut at Oldham.

As well as still looking to influence games, Marshall’s move to the Gallagher is also about helping others.

It's a conversation he had with caretaker boss George Elokobi.

Marshall said: “As you get older, you want to pass on your experience to young players and help them in any way you can.

“The gaffer has seen the qualities I possess and when he signed me he said you’re going to play a dual role here.

“It was to try and help the team get out of the situation we’re in and to help the young players.

“I’ve come in and tried to pass on my experience and give them some advice that I hope they can take with them into the rest of their long careers.

“It’s something I take seriously. I remember when I was younger, I had older pros who’d tell me how quick your career goes and, trust me, it does go quick.

“When you’re a footballer, you’re getting an opportunity to do something you love and there’s a million and one people trying to do it.

“So you have to have a level of professionalism and constantly keep practising until you uphold your standards.

"Sometimes things can get a little sticky, especially when we’re in this position, and you’ve just got to say keep going and try and help and encourage the young players in any way you can.

"Everything’s a process. We’ve got some good players here and, from what I’ve seen, no team has absolutely battered us. We’ve been in all the games. It’s small margins.

"The gaffer has galvanised the boys. The camaraderie and togetherness is there.

“We’ve got to continue to work hard for him and hope we get some results.”