Maidstone United defender Taylor Foran says the National League South leaders are coming on leaps and bounds after completing his first year at the Gallagher Stadium

Taylor Foran says Maidstone are coming on leaps and bounds as he celebrates a year at the club.

Foran, who turned 23 on Wednesday, has been a big success since arriving initially on loan from Bromley last October.

Supporters immediately took to the centre-half after his commanding performance as a half-time substitute in a 2-1 win at Dagenham and within weeks he’d signed an 18-month contract.

He continued to impress under former boss George Elokobi and was named one of three vice-captains by Craig Fagan for the 2026/27 National League South campaign.

It’s been an excellent start to the season, with Maidstone a point clear at the top after 11 games under Fagan and Rob Tuvey, with a trail of big-spending clubs behind them.

“The year’s gone fast, it really has,” said former Arsenal man Foran.

“I've thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

“Obviously, it started under George, who gave me that platform to express myself and show what I'm capable of.

“And then now, under the new gaffer, I feel like we're coming on leaps and bounds and we’re obviously still top of the league.

“Hopefully we can take that and keep going with it for the rest of the season.”

Fagan has retained Elokobi’s defensive principles, so nothing has changed in Foran’s role from that point of view, but he has the added responsibility of being part of the captaincy team.

He was an obvious choice with his leadership skills and vocal presence, qualities that stood out on his debut and remain a big part of his game.

“I’m just trying to step up into more of a leadership role this year, being in the leadership team and just rallying the boys when it gets deep, said Foran.

“I still feel like I'm one of the most vocal boys in the team. Bringing that energy and enthusiasm from