Liam Sole moves to Scotland full of confidence after his season with Maidstone.

Winger Sole, 24, played some of the best football of his career as United reached the FA Cup fifth round and National League South play-offs.

His form attracted interest north of the border and earlier this month it was announced he would be joining Livingston.

He’s signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third, at the West Lothian club who have just been relegated from the Premiership to the Championship

He’ll wear the No.7 shirt at the 10,000-capacity Almondvale Stadium and hopes to play a big part in manager David Martindale’s rebuild.

“I had a really good conversation with the manager,” said Sole.

“He told me his plans for next season, how he wanted to play and the style he wants to go with, and it suits me down to the ground.

“I spoke to a few of the boys at Maidstone and they said you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone at some point.

“I’m coming off the back of a season where I played a lot of minutes, played a lot of games and played in the big games, so I can only thank everyone at Maidstone for what they’ve done for me.

“I feel confident going up to Scotland.

“If it was any other time, especially at previous clubs where I hadn’t played so much, it would be a bigger challenge and a bigger task.

“I’m moving away from friends and family but I go there full of confidence. It’s come at a really good time.”

The security of a two-year deal - a rarity in English non-league football - adds to Sole’s confidence as he prepares to move hundreds of miles away from home.

“That takes a weight off your shoulders in terms of that bit of security,” he said.

“For me personally I can play a bit more freely and when I play freely, I tend to play better.

“Having those two years, with the option, it gives you that freedom to go out and express yourself.

“You still have to do the right things but I feel I perform better when there’s less pressure and when I’m confident.

“When you’ve got confidence, you feel like you can do anything. I had that at Maidstone and that’s testament to the gaffer (George Elokobi) and Craig (Fagan, assistant manager).”

Sole will be given every opportunity to express himself under Martindale’s plans as Livingston attempt to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

“When I had a chat with the manager he said he’s looking to play with wingers high and wide, getting at full-backs, getting shots off and getting crosses in,” said Sole.

“That’s what I’ve been about since I was young.

“That’s exactly how I like to play. I like to excite people.

“When he said how he wanted to play, it was music to my ears.

“I think there might be a bit of a rebuild after relegation.

“I’m not sure how many will sign and how many are going to go.

“That’s for the club to decide but they’re a Premiership club in my eyes and everyone will want to bounce back as soon as possible.

“How long that will take, I’m not sure, but they’ve got good ambitions and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“They’ve had six years in the Premiership.

“This year has just been one of those seasons where it hasn’t gone for them but hopefully they can bounce back in the near future.”

Sole, who will link up with his new club in June, is tipping Maidstone for promotion next season.

They went close this year, beaten by an 89th-minute goal in the play-off semi-finals, and Sole believes they will go one better.

He said: “They’ve got a great infrastructure with the owners, the gaffer and Craig, the backroom staff and the facilities.

“They’ll be back in the National League in no time - I think they’ll do it next season.

“I’ve got a lot of belief in that.

“They’re an amazing club, with amazing people and when you play for Maidstone you want to give everything you have.

“Anyone they bring in this summer will get that straight away.

“They’ll know they’re playing for Maidstone and the expectations and stuff like that.

“I wish them all the best. I want them to do well and I’ll be keeping an eye out for them all the time.”

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