Former Maidstone United defender Raphe Brown speaks about his move to Isthmian South East champions Ramsgate and the benefits of part-time football

Raphe Brown is aiming for the best of both worlds after joining Ramsgate this summer.

Brown’s move to Southwood sees him back in the world of part-time football - and looking for a job - after five years as a full-time professional at Maidstone.

Injuries restricted him to just over 100 appearances but he still won a National League South title medal and reached the last 16 of the FA Cup during his time at the Gallagher Stadium.

The defender was released at the end of last season, having made his final appearance as a substitute in the Stones’ 2-1 play-off semi-final win at Eastbourne Borough.

Brown, who turns 26 at the end of the month, suspected his time at Maidstone was coming to an end, and he was among those let go after a 1-0 play-off final defeat at Boreham Wood saw them miss out on a return to the National League after a two-year absence.

Ramsgate, promoted to the Isthmian Premier as South East Division champions, were among those to approach Brown.

And it was the ideal move for a player who briefly worked with Rams boss Ben Smith at Herne Bay before a six-week trial led to an offer from Maidstone in 2020.

“I spoke to a few clubs and Ramsgate were one of them,” said Brown, who can play at centre-half or full-back.

“I spoke to Ben and the chairman (James Lawson)

“We sat down and spoke about where they want to take the club and the plans going forward and how I would fit into that.

“I liked what I heard, we had a few more chats and got the deal sorted.

“We had very good conversations. Ben understands me as a player, my strengths and what I can bring to the team, so it was a no-brainer.

“I’m currently looking for a job to do full-time now I’ve come out of full-time football.

“I’ve been applying for jobs and I’ve got