New signing Dan Sweeney got his wish when Maidstone went back in for him.

Stones boss Jay Saunders spoke to Sweeney over the summer but the move broke down as Kingstonian wanted a fee.

The attacking midfielder stayed with Ks before moving to Dulwich Hamlet in October, scoring six goals in his first six appearances at Champion Hill.

Saunders renewed his interest in the former AFC Wimbledon youngster, who jumped at the chance to move to the Gallagher.

Sweeney said: “We had a brief chat in the summer but it never really happened.

“There was an issue over people having to pay for me because I was on contract at Ks for the last few seasons.

“I moved to Dulwich, did quite well there and Jay came back in for me and I couldn’t turn it down.

“I kind of hoped he’d come in again because Maidstone’s a great club. I just can’t wait to get playing here and get properly started. I thank Dulwich for letting me go straight away and thank them for my time there.

“It was a funny one, leaving there so soon. I scored a few goals and there was a bit of speculation about me but I was just trying to play as well as I could.”

Sweeney made his debut playing off Jay May in Stones’ 1-0 defeat at Hayes & Yeading last weekend. He looked at home stepping up to National League South from Ryman football and will only get better.

He said: “It was quicker, there are better players in this league but I feel like I’m ready to make the step up.”

Read the full interview in this week's Kent Messenger