A striker who started his career in New Zealand has signed for Maidstone United.

Josh Redfearn, 24, arrives at last season’s beaten National League South play-off finalists after a spell at Welling United, who suffered 2024/25 National League South relegation.

On joining George Elokobi’s squad, Redfearn told the club’s media team: “I’m really looking forward to it, just playing in such a good environment.

“There’s a good manager, good players and good crowds.

“I hope to score goals, win games and just to have a very good season.”

While unable to save the Wings from the drop, having joined them last October, Redfearn did net seven times in 28 matches, including the game’s only goal in their 1-0 Kent Senior Cup final win over Ebbsfleet at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium in April.

He said: “It was a good challenge.

“It was a good introduction to English football for me, I think I got good experience at Welling.”

Redfearn grew up in New Zealand, moving out there at the age of two from London.

He played for Onehunga Sports and Waitakere United in his youth career before he joined Auckland United in 2020.

Redfearn then made headlines in a prolific spell at Auckland, scoring 43 goals in 91 appearances.

“I came from a footballing family,” he said. “Even in New Zealand, my parents got me into football straight away.

“I think I fell in love with the game as soon as I started playing it.

“I’ve just kept playing since.”

The Stones will start their pre-season schedule at Isthmian South East side Ashford on Saturday before Tuesday’s visit of Isthmian Premier Chatham.