Tom Hadler’s triumphant return to the Maidstone team came after he doubted he would ever play for the club again.

Hadler found himself out of favour under former manager Hakan Hayrettin but was back in goal on Sunday, making the winning penalty save as United beat Notts County in the FA Trophy.

A virtual ever-present in last season’s title success, Hadler started the National League campaign as second choice to Yusuf Mersin.

He briefly regained his place, playing three matches, but was sidelined by concussion.

Hadler, who also received treatment for a foot injury during his time out of the team, couldn’t see a way back, with loanees Ryan Sandford and then Dan Barden also preferred.

But with Barden unavailable for the Trophy tie, caretaker boss and former Stones club captain George Elokobi turned to Hadler.

It was a decision that paid off as the former Gills man denied Matt Palmer from the spot as United won the shoot-out 6-5 after a 2-2 draw to reach the last 16.

“It’s been a funny time,” said Hadler, following three months out of the side.

“It was amazing to get back out there and be part of it with the boys again. I’m close with all of them, and the fans as well.

“I didn’t see myself getting a game as things were, which is a shame after last season, but that’s football.

“It was nice to feel like there would be a fresh start.

“There’s an element of a fresh start for everyone, whether you’ve been in the team or not.

“Something wasn’t working, whatever that may be, but it’s given me a chance when I felt maybe I was destined never to play under the old management.

“With a new broom and people who know what we’re capable of, it gave me that chance to get back out there and show what I’m made of.”

Hadler looked set for a quiet afternoon as Maidstone opened up a 2-0 lead.

County fought back, taking the tie to penalties, but it was Maidstone and their recalled goalkeeper’s day as Elokobi started his caretaker stint with a win.

“I kind of earmarked this game as one I’d love to come back for - it’s a great place to play football,” said Hadler.

“It was a really nice occasion and good to have some positivity around the place.

“That’s what the whole week has been about.

“A new manager, getting the positivity and belief through everyone.

"George brings that in abundance, him and his coaching staff.

"It was lovely to come back in just generally to be around the boys and see everyone smiling and happy and believing in themselves.

“You have a period of losing games but we’re not bad footballers.

“Obviously it’s a harder league but look at what we did last year.

“We’re a good team and when we’re together, we’ve always got a chance.

“Belief is the key aspect, and togetherness. They go hand in hand and hopefully we’ll get some results.

“That’s all we can do, believe in ourselves and go out there as a group and not as individuals.

“That’s how we’ll get somewhere, not by being negative and pulling in different directions.

“It’s easy to lay blame but if there’s an answer as to whether things had gone wrong, it’s from today’s performance and everyone’s reaction and how we worked as a team together.

“That’s the biggest measure of what we’re about and maybe how things needed to change.”

It’s game by game for Elokobi as caretaker manager while the club decide on a permanent successor for Hayrettin.

Next up is a home game against National League big guns Wrexham on Saturday.

“George has come in to rejuvenate us and get us back on track,” said Hadler.

“We all respond well to him and he’s got good coaching staff with him.

“I think we’re feeling the positivity back around the whole club.

“Hopefully we can link that up with the fans and get pushing in the right direction.

“He just oozes positivity and that’s what we ask for. That’s what we need as a team.

“He did the same for us last year. Even when he wasn’t playing, he was a massive figure in everything we achieved.

“He was the natural person to come in. We’re all very happy to see him back.”