Johan ter Horst can’t wait to hear the roar of the Maidstone crowd after three years away from senior football.

The former Folkestone striker never broke into Hull City’s first team during his time on Humberside despite playing well and scoring goals for their academy side.

Ter Horst, 22, feels he’s a better player for the experience but admits nothing beats the buzz of playing in front of thousands.

He said: "I miss scoring a goal that actually means something.

"Under-21 level is competitive but no-one really sees it as proper football. You get crowds of 100, you score and everyone claps and that’s about it.

"There’s 3,000 at Maidstone so it’ll be fantastic to play in front of them and with their support. It’ll be a good atmosphere.

"I trained with a few National League teams last year so I know the standard.

"It’s very good, very physical and it’s a good chance for me to prove myself. I’m half expecting Maidstone to be challenging for the play-offs, if we’re going full-time, making a good crack of it."

Ter Horst joins a Stones strikeforce which already includes Joe Pigott, Jamar Loza and Delano Sam-Yorke.

He’s recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss the start of the season but is simply looking forward to a new chapter.

Ter Horst said: "It’s a shame I never got a chance (at Hull) but not many people do at Premier League clubs from the academies.

"I didn’t know what to expect because I’d only played non-league for Folkestone.

"I could never progress to the first team, which is a shame.

"There’s other lads in the same boat. It’s just hard to break into a first team at such a high level because the gap from the academy to the first team is so large."

Ter Horst has moved back in with his parents in Hythe after finalising his move to the Gallagher Stadium this week.

He said: "It’s nice to be back around my family and it’s nice to have my mum and dad come to watch me again because they only managed to get to a couple of Hull games.

"There were a few other things (when I was released) but nothing concrete. I was in touch with Jay and it was pretty straightforward from there.

"I played in the play-off semi-final for Folkestone at Maidstone (2012-13) and I’ve followed their progress.

"They’re definitely going in the right direction and I’m hoping I play a big part in that."