Maidstone United midfielder Regan Booty explains why it’s time to move on

Regan Booty has to make the most of a short career after deciding to leave Maidstone United.

Midfielder Booty will depart the Gallagher this summer after turning down a new deal.

The 25-year-old made 80 appearances in two seasons, scoring 18 goals.

He was a key part of the side who won the National South title and had plenty of admirers this year despite United’s miserable National League campaign, making his England C debut.

Booty, who lives in the town and also coaches the under-18s, will miss Maidstone.

But the former Huddersfield and Notts County man has to do what’s right for his career - a lesson he’s learned over the years.

Booty said: “I’ve never really been selfish enough in my career but it’s a short career and you’ve got to be selfish.

“It’s a dog-eat-dog world and, regardless of what other people think, it’s all on you to make decisions.

“You’ve got to make your own career and in 10 years’ time you don’t want to look back and say I should have done this or I should have stayed there or I should have gone there.

“You’ve got to go with your heart and wherever your heart takes you, that’s where you end up going.

“You want to be fighting for promotions and be in title races.

“We had it here last year. The success we had, going to games and taking loads of fans and having sell-outs here at the end of the season, that’s what you want.

“You don’t play football to lose and get relegation. You play because you want to do well and succeed and have as much success in your career as possible.

“You have decisions to make and you have people speaking to you. That’s how football works.

“It’s nice to have calls and interest. As a footballer, you always aim to be higher and higher.”

It’s been a difficult campaign for