Defender George Fowler thanks his 'Maidstone mum and dad' after the Stones' title triumph

George Fowler has thanked his “Maidstone mum and dad” for their part in his form at the Gallagher.

Fowler turned a loan from National League Aldershot into an 18-month deal last November and played a key role in the Stones’ title glory alongside Joe Ellul in central defence.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin has often referred back to his arrival as a turning point and the move was made easier by the hospitality of backroom staff Iain Southgate and his partner Rose Kelsey.

They invited Fowler, who lives 100 miles away in Berkshire, to stay with them, saving him an extra journey at the end of the week.

“Iain and Rose have been brilliant for me - they’re my Maidstone mum and dad,” said Fowler.

“I’ve been staying down with them on a Thursday evening, they’ve been a massive help to me and really accommodating to save me travelling and hurting my grandpa back.

“That sums the club up, you’ve got people all round it who are willing to help, free of charge, all the volunteers, who help and do a massive job.

“It’s a real family club and something I bought into as soon as I came in.”

The final game of Fowler’s loan came at Ebbsfleet, where a 3-2 victory away to the division’s form team proved the catalyst for Maidstone’s surge up the table and title success.

Fowler was outstanding that night and knew he had to stay on.

The deal was done a couple of days later.

“I was meant to be going back to Aldershot after that game,” said Fowler.

“I was in the car on the way home and I spoke to my agent and it didn’t feel right.

“It was such a good month here, I’d settled in, the only factor I had was the travelling in because I was living in Newbury.

“Once we sorted out a few expenses to do with travelling and stuff, I was more than happy to stay and