Maidstone United midfielder Bivesh Gurung on life back at his hometown club after the Crystal Palace, Norway and Sweden years

There’s no place like home for Maidstone United midfielder Bivesh Gurung.

Gurung made a welcome return to the Gallagher Stadium last November, four years after leaving the youth set-up for a scholarship with Premier League club Crystal Palace.

After a couple of years with the Eagles, and still a teenager, he made a bold decision to move abroad, furthering his football education in Scandinavia.

He spent a season in Norway, with Trysil FK, followed by a move to Sweden, enjoying a year with Ytterhogdals IK.

The midfielder might have spent longer overseas but says a combination of Brexit and coronavirus got in the way.

It was the start of a difficult time for the former Maidstone Grammar School pupil but, after a brief spell with Margate, he jumped at the chance to rejoin Maidstone.

Initially arriving on dual-registration terms with Gate, Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin quickly saw enough to give the youngster an 18-month contract.

He’s made five appearances since his debut at Havant, with the latest coming in last weekend’s return game against the Hawks as United maintained their four-point lead at the top of National South.

“Even though I’ve not got as many minutes as I would have liked, I’m really enjoying it and I’m progressing here,” said Gurung, 20.

“I’m learning off a lot of the players who’ve played at higher levels or have loads of experience at this level.

“To be honest, before signing here, I was going through a really tough period.

“Also, one of the main reasons I couldn’t go back out to Scandinavia was because of the whole Brexit business and coronavirus.

“That stalled that, and I was on trial at a few clubs and got turned away.

“It was a tough period so coming here, to my hometown club and getting offered a