Ruben Shakpoke believes Maidstone offer the professional environment he needs to kickstart his career.
Striker Shakpoke came through the academy at Norwich before spending three years at Aston Villa and a season at West Brom.
New signing Ruben Shakpoke in action for Maidstone on his home debut Picture: Steve Terrell
Hamstring injuries restricted his progress and he dropped into non-league with Enfield at the start of the season.
The 21-year-old joined the Stones last week, having returned from a trial at MLS club Portland Timbers, and is feeling the benefits of working with manager George Elokobi.
“It’s been tough but it’s also been exciting,” said Shakpoke.
“It’s a different environment with a new coach and new players.
“Every day, people know they’re fighting for their places and we’re fighting in the league, so it’s all-round competition and we’re trying to get better every single day.
“Injuries have kind of held me back but now I feel I’m at a place where I’m able to get fit and finally show what I’m capable of doing.
“Setbacks and hardships are a part of the game, so I guess I had to deal with what came my way and just move forward. I had a few hamstring injuries but I’m all good now.
“I feel like I’m getting fitter and sharper every day and with a gaffer like George, it’s not easy to slack off.
“He demands a lot from us every single session, every single match, and that’s only going to allow me to get fitter and sharper, quicker.
New Maidstone striker Ruben Shakpoke brings the ball under control against Salisbury. Picture: Helen Cooper
“It’s good. It’s literally the exact same as pro clubs.
“The demands and what they ask of you is massive because competition there is completely another level, so here it’s pretty much like being in a pro environment again and it’s exactly what I need.”
Shakpoke went on trial at several clubs after leaving West Brom before signing for Enfield, newly-promoted to National League South.
He made a couple of appearances for the Towners but the move didn’t work out.
“I was on trial at a few clubs at the start of the season,” said Shakpoke.
“At Enfield, I knew the manager and the players pretty well and they offered me non-contract terms so I could play a few games.
“But let’s just say they’re struggling this season so it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
“I had a conversation with the board and the manager and they understood I needed to move on.
“I’m just back from America. I was on trial at Portland Timbers in the MLS for two weeks at the start of this year and now I’m at Maidstone. It was different in America but a very good experience.”