Harry Kyprianou is the very definition of a utility player at Maidstone - and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kyprianou excelled in multiple defensive and midfield roles in his debut campaign at the Gallagher and his versatility will be crucial again.

It was never a case of doing a job for the former Watford youngster.

Instead, he thrives on being able to play anywhere in manager George Elokobi’s side.

“After the end of last season we had a little conversation about it,” said Kyprianou, 27.

“The gaffer asked me where I felt I could have the biggest impact but, to be honest, the versatility has always been a strength of mine.

“I’m quite happy and quite comfortable playing in any position.

“We’re going to have a competitive squad and I’m happy to play anywhere.

“I quite enjoy the different challenges and the different positions. You see the game from different perspectives and as long as I’m on the pitch I won’t be complaining.

“Obviously it’s good to have a consistent run in one position but it’s a squad game and we saw last year there were situations where we didn’t have a right-wing-back, a left-wing-back, a centre-back or a centre-midfielder at times.

“I genuinely relish the challenge of playing different positions. It’s something I’ve always done and I’ve learned to enjoy.”

Kyprianou joined the Stones in the early weeks of last season, signing as a free agent in September.

So this is his first pre-season at the club and it’s everything he expected.

He said: “Our objective is to be the fittest team in the league, so what comes with that is a lot of hard work, a lot of running, a lot of physical training. It’s been tough but good.

“I missed pre-season last year but I heard all about it so I worked hard in the off-season to make sure I was as well-prepared as possible.

“Pre-season is a time when you get that conditioning in the body so that when the games start coming thick and fast, you’re in a better place to handle the load.

“I’m hoping being here from day one of pre-season will help me in that regard.”

Kyprianou helped Maidstone to the National League South play-off semi-finals last season and was part of their run to the FA Cup fifth round.

He was always going to be back for more when a deal was offered.

“When I reflect on the season we had and more so the environment and the people we have here, it was people I wanted to continue working with,” said Kyprianou.

“That being the management staff, the fans, and everyone at the club. It’s a place I wanted to continue at and thankfully the offer was there to stay and it was quite straightforward.”

There have been plenty of changes to the squad, with 10 players released and loanees returning to their parent clubs.

Togetherness and team spirit were huge factors in last season’s exploits and Kyprianou has a good feeling about the new-look squad.

He said: “We’ve had a lot of new faces but the early signs are good.

“I know we’ll have a competitive squad and it seems like the gaffer has done a good job of putting some good characters together.

“Everyone has bonded quite well already.

“I think signing the right characters is something the gaffer considers more so than the ability.

“Work ethic is one of his key principles and he looks to recruit people that match that. Ability will only take you so far.

“In tricky moments during the season, hard work and togetherness can take you a long way.

“That was evident last year and it’s important we get that right again if we want to have a similar level of success and hopefully more.”

Maidstone are holding an open training session at the Gallagher on Saturday (10am-noon).