Goalkeeper Harley Earle speaks about his time with Maidstone United and making a name for himself elsewhere after joining Sittingbourne

Goalkeeper Harley Earle says it’s time to find out how good he is after being released by hometown club Maidstone.

Earle was among 10 players let go by manager George Elokobi after the Stones’ National League South play-off exit.

He’s now signed for Isthmian South East Sittingbourne, the club where he enjoyed an outstanding loan spell in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Serving as understudy to players’ player-of-the-year Lucas Covolan, the 20-year-old didn’t make a league appearance for Maidstone this season.

But he was faultless as United lifted the Kent Senior Cup for a record 19th time, keeping three clean sheets out of three.

He kept Gillingham at bay in a 2-0 win in round two, made the decisive penalty save following a goalless draw with Punjab in the quarter-finals, and got the nod as United beat Ebbsfleet 4-0 in the final.

Earle was disappointed to be released by a club he first joined as a nine-year-old and returned to as an academy player following spells at Norwich and Fulham.

But he’s looking at the bigger picture and the chance to become a first-choice keeper.

“It was very emotional to be leaving my hometown club,” said Earle, speaking before his Sittingbourne move was announced.

“I’ve probably not taken it the best - I didn’t really want to leave - but it’s time to go out and play instead of being in somebody’s shadow.

“I just want to go somewhere and be given more chance to play.

“I want to find out how good I actually am.

“That’s the main thing and if I get a full season under my belt, getting more game time than I’ve ever had, I’ll find out.

“It’s been a funny season for me because I haven’t conceded a goal all year, which isn’t a bad stat, but I don’t feel like I’ve been challenged.

“I’ve played