Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell says Josh Osude is the fastest player he’s seen in semi-pro football after forward joins National League North club Bishop’s Stortford

Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell says departed forward Josh Osude is the fastest player he’s ever seen in semi-pro football.

Osude has jumped two levels to join National League North outfit Bishop’s Stortford, making his debut as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Buxton at the weekend.

The 24-year-old has what it takes to make the move work - namely rapid speed, boasting a best time of 10.4sec over 100m.

“Josh just needs to understand what God gave him,” said Maxwell. “The biggest tool we all want is pace, and to use it in the right areas and be effective.

“Everyone would buy pace if they could but it’s not for sale - you’ve either got it or you haven’t.

“He is the quickest player I’ve ever played with or managed, and certainly outside the full-time game I haven’t seen anyone that quick.

“If used correctly and if the penny drops, it’s down to Josh what he does with his unique gift.

“He scored a couple of goals against Stortford when we played them in a pre-season friendly and was blistering on the day.

“I also think the pitch there helps him, because it’s an excellent surface, and that can only benefit a player with that kind of pace where he’s not having to worry about touch and control of the ball constantly.

“I believe in the past he’s run 100m in 10.4sec and the thing with Josh is he’s two steps up to full speed.

“His strong runs don’t take a while to get going – he’s blisteringly quick off the mark.

“We played Chatham in pre-season and he absolutely roasted Kristian Campbell, who himself is a very quick player.

“Josh is uniquely fast and he’s just got to believe in himself and use his God-given gift.”

Sittingbourne have retained Osude’s Isthmian League registration but Maxwell wants him to flourish at Stortford