Maidstone loanee Joe Gbode has described sacked Gillingham boss Neil Harris as an inspirational figure in his career.

Harris gave Gbode his first-team break at Priestfield and one of his last acts as Gills boss was to authorise a one-month loan move to the Stones.

The 18-year-old was surprised to learn of Harris’ dismissal and will always appreciate what he did for him.

“It’s been a very weird week,” said striker Gbode. “It was very unexpected.

“He gave me a chance, he coached me very well and gave me loads of tips that I’ll carry throughout the rest of my career.

“He’s been a very inspirational figure in my football career so far and I owe a lot to him, so I’m disappointed to see him go.

“The best advice he gave me was just to be active.

“When the ball’s in and around the box it can drop anywhere and that’s kind of stuck with me.”

Gbode, prolific on loan at Hastings last season, made his Maidstone debut as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 National League South win at Torquay on Saturday.

He’s been impressed with the set-up at the Gallagher and sees similarities with the professionalism at Gillingham.

The chance to work under Stones boss George Elokobi and his No.2 Craig Fagan - two men who played in the Premier League - was a big attraction when considering his loan options.

He’s aware of the old rivalry between the clubs but that doesn’t concern the teenager.

“Maidstone and a couple of other National League South and National League Prem teams wanted me on loan back in pre-season,” said Gbode.

“At the time, the manager wanted me at Gillingham but obviously players came in, so the opportunity came up to go on loan and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’ve loved it at Maidstone. Training has been very good - I’ve been enjoying it and training well.

“The management, the players, everything’s brilliant here.

“I don’t care about the rivalry, I’m just here to play some football.

“It’s a big rivalry, I’ve been hearing a lot about it, but I’m just happy to be here.

“A big reason why I came is we’ve got two coaches who played at the highest level and I want to play at the highest level myself.

“The way Maidstone conduct training sessions is very professional, similar to Gillingham in the way they lay out their day, the way they do things, the training sessions, stuff like that.

“It’s very professional so that’s partly why I came here. I feel I’ve learned so much already being here.

“I just need somewhere to get my head down and play some matches.”

Under the terms of his loan, Gbode won’t be allowed to play for Maidstone when they return to Torquay in the FA Cup final qualifying round tomorrow.

Nor will he be involved when the Stones host Gillingham in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

“I’d have loved to have played in that,” said Gbode, speaking of the Gills match. “It would have been absolute quality.”