Doug Loft has told how he set his sights on a move to Tonbridge once he knew he’d be leaving Billericay.

Former Gills captain Loft spent two years in Essex after dropping out of the Football League.

It looked like the midfielder would be joining Margate before Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm made his move.

Loft, 34, said: “After doing the journey to Billericay, going through the Dartford Tunnel every day, I wanted somewhere local.

“I always wanted to sign for Tonbridge and, as soon as I spoke to Steve McKimm, I couldn’t say no.

“To be honest, I’ve been impressed with the standard of non-league.

“I didn’t really know what to expect after dropping out of the league but the clubs are so professionally run, everyone’s having a right go and that was one of the reasons I signed for Tonbridge, because I knew their vision for the future.

“I know what the manager is about and where he wants to be. He’s a good guy and you can see all the players want to play for him.

“Everyone’s in it together and it’s rare to get that where everyone’s trying to reach the same goal because in football there are so many different agendas.

“A lot of teams in our league are full-time or near-enough full-time and it’s going to be a challenge but we want to try and get near the play-offs and grow as a team.

“Hopefully I can do a couple of years here and then see how I feel.

“At the moment I feel really good and I’m enjoying it.

“If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t be doing it. It’s a nice club - everyone’s so friendly.”

Loft played Championship football for Brighton and made almost 200 appearances for Port Vale, followed by two seasons with Gillingham.

He also played for Colchester and Shrewsbury before joining Billericay in National League South.

He scored against Maidstone at the Gallagher in 2019 and had chances to join his hometown club in the past.

“It’s been an option a few times but it’s never really worked with Maidstone training in the mornings,” said Loft.

“I’ve known Stilly (John Still) since I was 18 and when he was there we spoke and I also spoke to Hak (Hakan Hayrettin) last summer but it never worked out.”

Tonbridge won 2-1 at Merstham last weekend and visit Worthing in their next friendly this Saturday.

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