Jack Paxman has played his way back into the Maidstone team after a good talking-to from team-mates.

Paxman’s confidence was low after being made available for loan for the second time this season.

He considered dropping down to the Bostik Premier but was talked out of it and hasn’t looked back.

The midfielder has started United’s last three games and is determined to keep his shirt.

Paxman said: “Don’t get me wrong, it has been tough mentally because no one wants to be left out or told they might not feature but I’ve got good people around me.

“I speak to Stuart Lewis and Jai Reason and people like that and a lot of the fans have kept me positive.

“I just kept on working hard and thankfully I got my chance and hopefully I can push on again.

“A couple of Bostik Prem clubs came in but I had a good talking-to from a few people and they said no chance.

“When you’re down it’s easy to think the first person that comes in is the best one but it’s not always the case.

“Luckily enough people told me that and it helped me because I needed telling.

“My confidence was quite low at the time and you start thinking all sorts of things but football changes quickly and I’m back playing where I think I should be.”

Stones boss Jay Saunders said the door was open for Paxman and, with the squad stretched, he’s been true to his word.

Paxman said: “Me and the gaffer have got a good relationship.

“He’s always been honest with me and I’ve always asked him to be honest with me.

“I’ve been here a long time now so I think I deserve his honesty, and he has been, which is good.

“I can be the Stu-Lew of last year.

“He came in January and really kicked us on so I could be like a new signing.

“It’s down to me to show I should be in the team.

“Ability-wise there’s not been too much of a question, it’s just getting it out of me consistently and that’s down to me.

“As long as I keep doing that, the gaffer shouldn’t have a problem with playing me.

“That’s the challenge. With the type of player I am, because I always want the ball, if I’m not playing well it’s highlighted.

“Thankfully I’ve had a couple of games, I feel good, I feel fit and sharp and I’ll only get better the more I play.”