Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell says departed forward Josh Osude is the fastest player he’s ever seen in semi-pro football.

Osude has jumped two levels to join National League North outfit Bishop’s Stortford, making his debut as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Buxton at the weekend.

The 24-year-old has what it takes to make the move work - namely rapid speed, boasting a best time of 10.4sec over 100m.

“Josh just needs to understand what God gave him,” said Maxwell. “The biggest tool we all want is pace, and to use it in the right areas and be effective.

“Everyone would buy pace if they could but it’s not for sale - you’ve either got it or you haven’t.

“He is the quickest player I’ve ever played with or managed, and certainly outside the full-time game I haven’t seen anyone that quick.

“If used correctly and if the penny drops, it’s down to Josh what he does with his unique gift.

“He scored a couple of goals against Stortford when we played them in a pre-season friendly and was blistering on the day.

“I also think the pitch there helps him, because it’s an excellent surface, and that can only benefit a player with that kind of pace where he’s not having to worry about touch and control of the ball constantly.

“I believe in the past he’s run 100m in 10.4sec and the thing with Josh is he’s two steps up to full speed.

“His strong runs don’t take a while to get going – he’s blisteringly quick off the mark.

“We played Chatham in pre-season and he absolutely roasted Kristian Campbell, who himself is a very quick player.

“Josh is uniquely fast and he’s just got to believe in himself and use his God-given gift.”

Sittingbourne have retained Osude’s Isthmian League registration but Maxwell wants him to flourish at Stortford after recommending him to the club.

“Steve Smith, the owner-manager, rang me asking if I knew of anyone with genuine pace,” said Maxwell.

“I recommended Josh wholeheartedly.

“He’s had his trials and tribulations off the pitch but he deserves this chance and I really hope it goes well for him.

“Hopefully this is the opportunity he needs to kick on.

“It’s dual-registration and if I were a selfish manager I’d say hopefully we’ll see him back but I genuinely wish him all the best.

“The door’s open, of course it is, but he came here to improve and we’ve worked on a few bits.

“There were still things for us to work on - we were getting there with that - but I hope he’s taken something from us.

“I promised him he’d be at Step 2 by the end of the year - it’s just come about a bit earlier.”

Sittingbourne have gone three weekends without a league game after their trip to East Grinstead fell victim to the weather.

They’re due to host in-form Kent rivals Ashford at Woodstock this Saturday (2pm) as sixth meets fifth in Isthmian South East.

Sittingbourne have already beaten the Nuts & Bolts this season, 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup.

“It was a tight game if I remember rightly,” said Maxwell.

“They’re having a decent season so far as well.

“They’ve had a bit of disruption with their ground (playing at Chatham due to 3G pitch delays at Homelands) but they’ve come through that.

“I’m expecting a tough game and I’m sure we’ll get one. We’ll have to be right on it.”

Meanwhile, Sittingbourne players have donated to a fundraiser after the Blakey’s Shed stand at Woodstock was destroyed by last week’s storm.

“It was a real kick in the proverbials,” said Maxwell.

“But it’s nice that the players are contributing to the fund.

“The boys are here for the right reasons and they understand it isn’t easy - or cheap - to erect a new stand in a week.

“Andrew (Marjeram, vice-chairman) messaged me to say how humbled he was by the players chipping in.”