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Dominic Odusanya says Maidstone manager Hakan Hayrettin’s strict approach is just what he needs.
Odusanya scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win at Chelmsford last weekend and has made an impressive start to the season.
The midfielder agreed a new deal in the summer and sees Hayrettin as the man to get the best out of him.
“I’ve always wanted to be here,” said Odusanya.
“It’s such a big club and also I had Hak looking after me, so it was an easy decision.
“I felt if I was going to progress, the best place was here with him.
“He’s a very strict manager and I feel like that’s what I need, someone who’s on my back 24/7, to get the best out of me.
“Without a strict manager, who knows what I’m like, but one thing I do know is that Hak can really get the best out of me, just through fear, I think.
“He’s a nice guy when you get to know him but when he looks at you on that pitch and you’re doing something wrong...it’s horrible!”
Maidstone bid to make it three wins out of three at home to Billericay on Saturday and visit Hampton on Bank Holiday Monday.
Odusanya is looking good but won’t take his place for granted given the midfield competition at the club.
He said: “I feel I’m one of those players, the more competition, the better, because there’s no room for slacking.
“We’re all human, sometimes you may get comfortable, but when there’s a lot of competition in there you want to improve, so constantly you’re pushing yourself.
“I never expect to play, just because of the quality we’ve got, we’ve got such good depth. We’ve got a range of midfielders for different types of games.
“We could play a game next week and I might not be the right fit - obviously it’s the gaffer’s choice.
“If he does play me, it’s down to me to show him what I can do and make sure I’ve got his trust.
“But, if not, get behind the team and sit there and cheer them on.
“It’s important to be like that in football because a lot of people’s heads just go down automatically if they feel they deserve to play but the most important thing is the team.
“If the team does well the individual will flourish.”
Odusanya’s first Stones goal came in front of the travelling fans.
He’s now seen first-hand what former team-mates Justin Amaluzor and Saidou Khan meant about the Black and Amber Army.
“Last year we obviously played with no fans and Saidou and Justin were always telling me to look forward to when the fans come back, they’re unbelievable, and now I’ve seen it for myself,” said Odusanya.
“They’re amazing. It really does something for you.
“If the gaffer can’t get in your head, they can, because they’re all together, making the same noise, lifting you up.
“If you’re tired, and it’s your last run in the 89th minute and they scream, you’re running.
“I don’t know what is is, maybe it’s adrenaline, but it gets you going.”
