How former Man Utd and Newcastle star Andy Cole helped Maidstone United striker Matt Rush

Matt Rush can draw on advice from Premier League great Andy Cole as he looks to fire Maidstone to promotion.

Stones new boy Rush worked with former Newcastle and Manchester United striker Cole during his time at Southend.

The five-time Premier League winner was brought to Roots Hall by then-boss Sol Campbell as the Shrimpers’ forwards coach in 2019.

It was a great experience to work with a man who scored 187 top-flight goals and his words of wisdom still ring true today.

“Sol Campbell and Andy Cole were interesting characters - they’re legends of the game - and to learn bits from them was really good,” said Rush.

“Whatever you can gain from people who have played at the highest level is going to make you a better player.

“Andy Cole did a few striker sessions with us.

“He said he was always in and around the box, no matter what.

“Obviously he had to hold up the ball and stuff like that but you’re not going to score unless you’re in and around the box. That was always in his head.

“I know it’s such a simple thing but if you’re saying in your mind that you must get in the box when the ball’s in a wide area or a central area, then you’re in that six-yard box to touch something in.

“The more times you’re in there, the luckier you’re going to get.

“Simple things like that obviously paid off for him, so you’ve got to listen to that advice.”

Rush joined Maidstone after a flying start to the season with surprise package Aveley.

He helped the Essex club to second place in National League South, scoring six goals and contributing 10 assists.

His form attracted interest from Maidstone and it’s where he wants to be.

“It was a good chance to get back into full-time football,” said Rush, who also worked with Stones assistant manager