Jermaine McGlashan’s prediction has come true after signing for Maidstone United.

The former Gillingham winger, who lives in nearby West Malling, could always see himself playing for the Stones.

He’s taken the long route to the Gallagher - via Cyprus - but is on board now and looking sharp.

“You keep an eye on it because it’s local,” said McGlashan.

“You get builders in and they’re Maidstone fans so you get talking about it all the time.

“I always said to my missus I’ll probably end up playing for Maidstone.

“It’s very local for me, I’m West Malling-based and since I’ve been at Gills I’ve grown familiar with the area, I love Kent, my family’s here so it’s brilliant that I’m here.

“I had a few inboxes from some Gillingham fans but I think they understand.

“I had a good time at Gills and some story it would be to meet them in a cup competition.

“There’s still some rivalry between the clubs and rivalry’s good - it gets things going.”

McGlashan spent last season with Cypriot second-tier outfit Akritas Chlorakas after a brief spell at Ebbsfleet.

The chance to play abroad ticked a box for the 33-year-old who enjoyed the experience.

“It was different,” he said. “The football is a lot more slow-paced because of the heat.

“There was a bit of a language barrier but the lifestyle’s great.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, play abroad, and when the lockdown stuff started happening, it was a good time to do it.

“I couldn’t get my family out there, because of the travel, so in the end I came back but it’s something I’d recommend to players getting to that stage of their career.

“It was lovely. You train in the evenings and the quality’s good.

“It’s nice to have Cyprus on the CV but it’s good to be back.”

McGlashan used his pace to overcome the language barrier.

And it was his speed that immediately caught the eye on his Stones debut last weekend when he raced on to a through ball and was brought down by Billericay keeper Bailey Vose, who was sent off.

“Football’s a language in itself,” said McGlashan, who set up Roarie Deacon’s goal at Hampton on Monday.

“There were so many breakdowns in communication out there but eventually they saw I was quick so they just kicked it in behind anyway.

“Basic instructions, just put it in behind, he’s quick, he’ll run.

“I got on to the one here (against Billericay) and the boys were saying they didn’t realise I was still that quick.

“I said I’ve earned a living off being quick!

“I tried to stay on my feet because it would have been nice to get a goal and wrap it up but you take 1-0.

“I feel fit and sharp and I just want to push these boys as a senior pro.

“The club’s been brilliant with me and I can help the boys with my experience.

“It’s a young group and there’s a lot of ability here.”

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