Released midfielder Jordan Higgs feels he made an impact in his time at Maidstone United.

Vice-captain Higgs was among seven players to be let go on Tuesday after the Stones missed out on promotion.

He spent a season at the Gallagher, joining from local rivals Tonbridge last summer.

Higgs suffered an ankle injury on his debut, a 1-0 win at St Albans on the opening day of the National League South season, and spent several months on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old battled back to fitness and captained the side a number of times in the absence of Sam Corne from the starting XI, including on Sunday as United lost 1-0 to Boreham Wood in the play-off final.

Higgs, reflecting on the season shortly after the full-time whistle at Meadow Park, said: “The first game, I had a bad ankle injury and I tried to get back and ended up being out two or three months.

“I got back, got fit and felt like I really helped the team.

“Corney was out sometimes and I felt like I replaced him well and we got to the play-off final.

“It’s just disappointing we didn’t get promoted.

“I came here to win the league.

“We didn’t do that but we got to the play-off final and nearly did it.”

Maidstone fell short in their bid to return to the National League but there were plenty of highs, including an 18-game unbeaten run.

They secured the final play-off spot and won away ties against Worthing and Eastbourne before being pipped by Boreham Wood.

“I think we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved this season,” said Higgs.

“We’ve gone one better than last season (when Maidstone reached the play-off semi-finals).

“The goal was to win and get promoted but it wasn’t to be.

“We’ve been brilliant all season. It’s not been the easiest.

“We’ve lost players, we’ve had injuries, but we’ve battled through everything and got here.

“It was a great occasion. This was my first play-off final. They don’t come easy. It’s my first and I’m 28 now.

“On another day it could have gone our way.

“A few decisions could have gone our way; in the first half we could have had a penalty.

“We just didn’t stick the ball in the back of the net. It’s disappointing.

“There was only one goal in it and, to be fair to the boy, he’s stuck it in the top corner, so it was a great finish.

“They were humble in their victory and we’re humble in defeat, so congratulations to them.”

Higgs was unaware at the time that his Maidstone career was coming to an end.

But he was looking forward to a rest after a gruelling campaign.

“I’ll enjoy my holidays and see what pre-season brings,” said Higgs.

“It’s been 49 games (league and play-offs), so we are due a rest. It’s been a long season and the boys can be proud.”