Michee Efete has told how Jamar Loza played a big part in his move to Maidstone.

They were friends at Norwich and when Efete knew he’d be leaving Carrow Road, Loza put in a word for the Stones.

The right-back finished last season on loan at Torquay, where he impressed despite the Gulls’ relegation from the National League.

He joined Maidstone for pre-season, with a deal announced at the end of July.

Efete, 21, said: “Norwich told me around December time I wouldn't be getting a new deal as I was getting older and they didn't see me getting in the first team.

“From there, I decided to go to Torquay on loan and I started playing well.

“I had interest from a few clubs and Maidstone were one of them.

“I sat down and thought, 'yeah, let me come to Maidstone' because Jamar told me there's good lads here, they play good football, the manager's good, the ground's good, everything.

“The most I could do was play well at Torquay and get my name out there because I knew I wasn't getting a new contract at Norwich.

“I took that on the chin. It was just new management coming in, they want different stuff, new players, their own players.

“There's a lot of players from that Norwich team who were in my age group that have left.

“We're all good players so I know we won't struggle to get back up the leagues.

“I've learned a lot from being there.

“Jam was an older lad. He helped me a lot throughout my time there, so that's why it was a big factor in coming here because I know Jam can help me here as well.”