Maidstone United striker Hady Ghandour speaks about his move to the Gallagher Stadium after leaving Charlton Athletic

Hady Ghandour is excited by the challenge of National League football at Maidstone.

Striker Ghandour, 22, has returned, this time on a permanent deal, following his release by League 1 Charlton.

The Stones are back in non-league’s top flight following their National South title success and Ghandour, who had two loan spells at the Gallagher last season, can’t wait to get going.

“I see it as a big chance to show what I’m made of because the National League is a big league,” said the Lebanon international.

“You only have to look at the calibre of teams that are in there.

“I need stability, which is what Maidstone are giving me.

“I’ve just got to thank the club for that and now it’s down to me to repay the faith, and I really feel like I can.

“When I went away with the national team my room-mate was Omar Bugiel, who plays for Sutton.

“He got promoted out of the National League with them and he told me the National League is a lot harder than League 2.

“I know what I’m expecting, and I’m sure the boys who are staying and signing know what to expect as well.

“I didn’t really get a reason why Charlton were letting me go.

“I didn’t feel like I got a fair chance but that’s football and I’m here to make a name for myself and hopefully help Maidstone cement their spot in the National League and push on.”

Ghandour scored his first Stones goal in the win over Chelmsford that clinched the championship, having learned two days earlier his time at Charlton was coming to an end.

Fired up, he scored again at Welling two days later and was determined to earn a full-time switch to Maidstone.

The call he wanted came from manager Hakan Hayrettin after the dust had settled on title celebrations.

“The season finished and I didn’t really know