Former Gillingham midfielder Henry Woods impressed with preparations for the National League season at Maidstone United

There’s nothing non-league about Maidstone United’s pre-season preparation and new signing Henry Woods should know.

The midfielder has spent the past four years as a professional at Gillingham but feels as fit as ever under the guidance of the Stones set-up.

“I have been really impressed with training, it has been hard in pre-season but I have loved it,” said the 22-year-old former Southampton youngster.

“The set-up is a league set-up, the gaffer [Hakan Hayrettin] and [assistant manager] Terry Harris have been around Football League clubs and National League clubs for years, with the experience they have got they know what is needed.

“Everything has been good and there is no difference between what we’ve done and at a league club. I feel just as fit, definitely.

“It hasn’t surprised me because I saw how strong the National League was last year.

"I know other players and other clubs and the pre-season they are having, the league itself is a professional league, clubs are full-time, professional, it will be tough this season but I think we are in a good place.”

Woods spent last year on loan at Dover. He had a year left on his contract at Gillingham but the taste of regular action in the National League last season convinced him it was time to move on. Maidstone was an easy pick.

“I'm 22 now, I want to push on and play games of football,” he said.

“Speaking to the gaffer and Terry and what they want to achieve and seeing how they play and what they want from a player in my position, that is what led me to Maidstone.

“I had a good chat with [Gillingham manager] Neil Harris and I already had in my head what I wanted. I hadn’t spoken to any clubs at that point but, in my mind, I knew I wanted a fresh start and the club were