George Fowler says the offer of a new deal at Maidstone United was music to his ears.

Fowler has made the county town his home since signing from Aldershot in late 2021.

He loves playing for the club, lives near the ground and has set up his own coaching school in the area.

The defender signed his new contract on Monday and announced the news on the pitch to delighted supporters following the 1-1 derby draw with Tonbridge.

Fowler, who collected supporters’ player and manager’s player-of-the-year awards after the game, said: “To have signed a new deal and get two awards, I’m absolutely over the moon.

“It’s a home to me, this club, I’ve made unbelievable friends, and settled down really nicely.

“Everyone, from the backroom staff and the volunteers to the fans, has been amazing from day one and I’ve really bought into the club. It made sense to sign again.

“I’m enjoying myself here and looking forward to hopefully topping it off this season with promotion via the play-offs.

“The club expressed their interest a little while ago, which was music to my ears, and from that it’s been a fairly quick process. It was a no-brainer for me to want to sign again.

“I’ve had a good run of games and this is probably one of my most successful seasons, especially offensively.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself. I was happy to see their interest and get it over the line before the end of the season.”

As well as scoring five goals, Fowler has been part of a backline who have kept 23 clean sheets in the league.

They’ve matched Newport’s record of 2009/10 and have a chance to break it at Farnborough this Saturday.

Fowler said: “I’ve got five goals and a number of assists, which I’m really happy about, but the main thing as defenders is we’ve had 23 clean sheets.

“We’ll be looking to break the record by keeping a clean sheet at Farnborough.

“It would be a great record to beat, especially as defenders, and Alexis (Andre Jr) has been absolutely unbelievable in goal.”

Fowler has enjoyed plenty of highs at the Gallagher Stadium, winning National League South in 2022 and reaching the FA Cup fifth round and play-off semi-finals last season.

There was the disappointment of relegation from the National League in 2023 but the highs outweigh the lows.

Fowler, 27, wants to use his experience to help Maidstone win another promotion.

“I’m one of the more senior players out there now,” he said.

“With a lot of games comes experience and I’ll be looking to show that and help lead the younger players through.

“It makes a big difference sometimes in this league, that leadership quality and just working hard.

“Hard work beats talent, as the gaffer says, and that’s what we’re going to need for the play-offs.”

Fowler’s fellow defender, Temi Eweka, was voted players’ player-of-the-year.