Jack Parkinson is more than happy to drop back into defence next season.

Parkinson operated in midfield as Maidstone won the Ryman League Premier Division but boss Jay Saunders wants to use him at centre-half in National League South.

It’s a role versatile Parkinson knows well.

He said: “I played centre-half for 75% of my time at Welling and 80% at Woking and when managers have asked me I’ve said it’s the position I prefer.

“I’ve always been able to do a job in midfield and because of my size managers have flicked between the two positions.

“Jay approached me about playing centre-half and I’m more than happy to do it. I’d never sit here and say I want to do this and want to do that but if I’m playing centre-half, it would be nice to stay there all season and play in one position.

“I had that last season playing in midfield and you can get a bit of consistency going.”
Parkinson has a year left on his playing contract at United and the club’s academy manager is in no hurry to leave.

He said: “We’re pushing on and there’s no need for me to go anywhere unless the manager wants me out. Everyone’s got an opinion on playing for the club and working with the academy but it’s nice to be settled at one place. The club have been brilliant to
me.”