Former Maidstone United goalkeeper Harley Earle speaks about his move to Ashford United after spells with Sittingbourne and Herne Bay

Goalkeeper Harley Earle has the challenge he was looking for after joining Ashford United.

Earle is the new No.1 at Homelands after making the “tough decision” to leave Herne Bay.

He arrives with an excellent record of 18 clean sheets in 31 appearances this season for Bay and former club Sittingbourne.

The 21-year-old is looking for more of the same after signing up for the Nuts & Bolts’ Isthmian South East promotion challenge under Lloyd Hume.

“I finished the season at Herne Bay and I think they were keen to keep me,” said Earle, who came through the academy at Maidstone.

“I had to make a decision, it was a tough decision, but I made a decision to move elsewhere.

“I just felt like it was going to be a challenging move and that’s what I need to be able to kick on and make myself a better player.

“It was tough because I enjoyed my time at Herne Bay.

“It was probably the first tough decision I’ve had to make, joining another team.

“I’ve had a good season, to be fair.

“I ended up playing 31 games altogether and kept 18 clean sheets, so I did quite well. It’s not a bad stat, is it?”

Earle, who had stints with Norwich and Fulham as a schoolboy, was released by Maidstone last summer as manager George Elokobi felt he needed to play regular football.

He’s had that at Sittingbourne, where he was unfortunate to lose his place after an injury, and at Herne Bay.

That will only benefit Ashford, who were in the market for a goalkeeper after finishing this season with on-loan Welling youngster Javarn Pitterson between the sticks.

“Playing regular football, it’s not about improving, it’s more about gaining experience,” said Earle, who coaches youngsters at Maidstone during the week, as well as the Kent FA girls.

“The more experienced