Jack Paxman feels Maidstone are the perfect club to help him return to the Football League.

Paxman is showing his class in central midfield and it’s no coincidence Stones have played their best football with the 21-year-old in his favourite position.

United boss Jay Saunders feels the former Southend youngster has a chance of getting back in the professional game, and a good season in National League South with Maidstone will only help.

Paxman said: “It’s all coming together now. Since I’ve moved into the middle I’m getting a lot more of the ball and I think we’ve started playing more football as a team. Playing out wide is fine, but I like to get the ball and it’s hard sometimes when you’re out wide.

“My intention is to get back playing full-time football as quickly as possible. I’m at the right club to help me progress and with the right manager as well.”

Paxman considered himself unlucky to be released by Southend after Phil Brown replaced Paul Sturrock as manager two years ago.

He added: “Southend was a while ago so I’m past it but it came down to bad timing more than anything, with the manager changing. I had to take that one on the chin and just move on quite quickly.

“You’ve just got to have a bit of faith in your own ability and keep working hard and hopefully, by the end of it, I’ll get back to that sort of level.”