Callum Davies is happy to wait for his chance at Maidstone.

The new signing from Gillingham has moved to the Gallagher to kickstart his career after falling down the pecking order at Priestfield.

He was an unused substitute against Margate and Eastbourne over Christmas but never expected to go straight into the side.

Centre-half Davies, who has signed an 18-month contract, said: “Maidstone are second and they’ve got the best defensive record in the league.

“That speaks for itself so I’m not coming here thinking I’m going to walk straight into the side. I’m coming here because I feel it’s a positive step.

“Of course I want to be playing but I’m happy to bide my time and hopefully get a chance.”

Davies, 22, joined Gillingham aged seven and won a League 2 title medal under Martin Allen in 2013.

But injuries restricted his progress and when United made a loan approach, boss Justin Edinburgh opened the door to a permanent deal.

Davies negotiated a settlement for the final year of his contract and completed his move two days before Christmas.

He said: “I was pretty set on coming here. I’ve played under Nicky Southall (Stones assistant) and know a few of the players. I just felt like this was the right place for me to
come.

“I might not start straight away but feel if I get a run of games, I’ll go from strength to strength.

“I had a good run in League 2 under Martin Allen and got on well with him. I’m just hoping that if I can get the run of games, I can replicate that form.”

Davies was injured when Edinburgh succeeded Peter Taylor at Gillingham last season and while he battled back to fitness, he was out of the first-team picture and knew it was time to move on.

He said: “When a new manager comes in who’s never seen you play, he doesn’t really know what you can do.

“I never felt part of it and as much as they tried to involve me, I always felt a bit isolated. That’s nobody’s fault, it’s just how things turned out.

“I don’t want to get hung up on the bad things. I had a great time at Gillingham and I’d like to wish them all the best and see them get promoted."