Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell adds former Braintree midfielder Gabriel Piorkowski and Bishop’s Stortford promotion-winning striker Chris Harris to the squad

Sittingbourne newcomer Gabriel Piorkowski may not be around for long - if he can get back to his best after missing a year out injured.

Piorkowski broke down in training while playing under Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell at former club Braintree, and it’s been a long road back having spent nine months waiting for an operation on his knee.

The combative midfielder picked up that injury shortly after a fine goal from distance against Dartford on his National South debut. Maxwell is now hoping to see the best of him again at Bourne.

“He had a real bad time with injury after starting like a house on fire,” said Maxwell.

“He had three fantastic games, scoring on his league debut against Dartford with a great goal. He’s so energetic, so combative, fearless in possession and although not the biggest he is incredibly strong in the air for a smaller man.

“He is a great character, tough as nails, but also scores a goal. He loves the competitive part of the game, his attitude is tremendous and I am not surprised he has come back. He had to wait nine months. He is a loveable rogue and he is infectious.

“He has already been flying in at training. When you receive the ball you have to keep your touch tight because Gaby will look to win it off you.

“He is fitting in really quickly and I am looking forward to getting him out there and showing what he can do.

“Hopefully he can get back to the level he was at.

“He is a player we will not be holding back. If he can reach the levels he is capable of, sooner rather than later, hopefully, then no doubt he will attract the attention of other clubs higher up the pyramid.”

Maxwell has also added striker Chris Harris to the squad, fresh from being part of the Bishop’s Stortford side which won the