Maidstone United midfielder Ryan Hanson on life under Craig Fagan after the pair were reunited following their time together at Hull City

Maidstone United midfielder Ryan Hanson is feeling the benefits of playing under Craig Fagan for the second time in his career.

The pair, who originally worked together in the under-23s at Hull City, were reunited when Fagan made Hanson one of his first signings after taking charge at the Gallagher Stadium.

It’s worked out well with Hanson a virtual ever-present in Maidstone’s rise to the top of National League South.

He’s one of three vice-captains in the squad and has gone about his business effectively in a holding midfield role, also scoring two goals, including a last-gasp winner against Salisbury.

Fagan was instrumental in Hanson’s summer move to Maidstone from his local club, Dover.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer previously,” said Hanson, 25. “I know what he’s like as a manager.

“With the recruitment he went through and bringing the right type of players in, I thought we’d hit the ground running. It’s no surprise that we’re in the position we are.

“He’s a great coach and with Rob (Tuvey, assistant manager) coming in as well, we felt the minute we came through the door, there was a DNA within the team.

“We knew exactly how we wanted to play, whereas it might take other teams five or six games to get used to what they’re doing.

“The gaffer’s nailed down exactly what he wants and I feel we’ve started by playing like that.”

Recalling his time with Fagan at Hull, Hanson added: “He was really good. When I signed up there, he was the under-23s assistant manager.

“He was always a hands-on coach. He worked with me a lot up there. So when he got the manager’s job here and got in touch with me, I was really happy to come in and have a conversation and get it over the line.

“When you go to a new club, there’s so many variables.