Maidstone United striker Harry Lodovica tells of his time learning from Everton legend Duncan Ferguson

Working under ex-Premier League players is becoming a habit for Maidstone striker Harry Lodovica.

The big forward is enjoying learning from George Elokobi and Craig Fagan at the Gallagher Stadium.

But before that, his manager at former club Inverness Caledonian Thistle was none other than Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.

The former Toffees striker and top-flight icon was a great sounding board for Lodovica.

As players of similar build and roles, the Stones forward asked plenty of questions of the Scot.

“It was good playing under him,” said Lodovica.

“He’s a top man. He’s a gaffer you want to run through a brick wall for, similar to George.

“I like managers who are ex-pros and played at a high level, just because they know what it takes.

“To get to that high level takes a lot of character and a lot of unique qualities.

“Not everyone gets there so when you become a manager you try to pass on information as much as possible to the players.

“I feel like players just want to play for those types of managers, even more so just to show them their ability and that they can do it because they’ve seen football at the highest level.

“Duncan Ferguson was left-footed, 6ft5in, the same height as me, so I’d be asking questions before, during and after training.

“I don’t think any question is a bad question so I’d be asking him questions about different things, his heading and hold-up play and things like that.

“He gave me a few good pointers and now I’m at Maidstone, I try to use what he gave me to help the team.”

Lodovica is finding his feet after joining Maidstone in September.

It’s worth remembering he missed the second half of last season at Inverness with an ankle injury.

That’s left him playing catch-up but he’s getting there.

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