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Maidstone United midfielder Clovis Kamdjo knows exactly what John Still expects

New Maidstone midfielder Clovis Kamdjo knows exactly how difficult John Still's sides are to face.

Kamdjo joined the Stones from St Albans last month and can't wait to play under head of football Still, having gone up against him several times over the years.

He said: "When I was at Barnet I used to play against his Dagenham teams and you really had to be ready because he makes sure everyone's on it.

Maidstone head of football John Still Picture: Sean Aidan
Maidstone head of football John Still Picture: Sean Aidan

"Everyone was fit, everyone knew what they were doing and if you weren't careful you'd be two or three down at half-time.

"Because of that, I knew the mentality he would want at Maidstone, and I like that.

"You know exactly what to expect from him, what he wants and how he wants it done, and that's good because then there are no excuses.

"When you know what's required and everyone is on the same wavelength, you're more likely to win games than lose them."

Kamdjo believes daytime training will be a big factor for Maidstone in National League South.

It was a big attraction when it came to signing and he expects United to make their extra fitness count against part-time sides, just as Torquay did in winning the division last season.

Kamdjo, who's also played for York, said: "I enjoyed it at St Albans but I wanted to get back to full-time football.

"Maidstone have got the ambition and the fan base and they're a massive club in that league.

"We expect to get back up and, as a full-time club, we really should be pushing to get straight back up.

Clovis Kamdjo with Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams
Clovis Kamdjo with Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams

"It's not easy - you still need to have the right players with the right mentality who are willing to work hard - but I think by the end of July we'll know who's coming in.

"It makes sense to stay full-time because if you go back to part-time, it looks like you're settling for that league.

"Torquay stayed full-time and got straight back up.

"I played them twice with St Albans and you could feel the difference with them being full-time.

"It showed in the last 10-15 minutes where it's only natural they will be a lot fitter than the part-time teams.

"Being part-time isn't an excuse for players not to be ready for games but it's harder to compete."

Kamdjo, 28, is known for his defensive abilities in midfield but don't bet against him popping up with a few goals.

He said: "I'm not a striker but I do chip in every now and again.

"I ended up with six last season but should have got at least 10."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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