Title-winning manager Hakan Hayrettin spoke of his pride after leading Maidstone to National South glory.

The Stones beat Chelmsford 3-1 at the Gallagher to seal a return to the National League, three years on from relegation.

With nearest rivals Dorking losing 1-0 at St Albans, the Stones are champions with two games remaining.

“I’m so, so pleased for everyone connected, I think the team were unbelievable, to a man,” said Hayrettin, who had to rush home for his fiancee’s birthday!

“I’m not an easy manager to play for, I push and pull and I probe to get the best out of them, and I’ve done that.

“That’s all I’m worried about. I’ve done my job and these players, for me, are truly unbelievable.

“We had so many players out through injury, I don’t think anyone suffered what we suffered.

“We’ve had Joe Ellul out, we’ve had George Elokobi out, we’ve missed Regan Booty for so many games, Jack Barham, Reece Grant, now Joan Luque, the list is endless, and yet I’ve probably used the least amount of players in the league.

“For the club it’s a stepping stone, I think the National League is where they should be.

“I don’t want to stand still, I want to push again and this group, with some additions, could possibly do that.

“We put every ounce of energy into the job we do to get results.

“I’ve said this and I’ll say it again, the best signing I’ve made was Terry Harris.

“The best No.2 at any level, at any football club, is Terry Harris. I’m a lucky man.

“He’s my best mate, we drive in together, and he’s been immense for me and long may it continue.”

Fans streamed on to the pitch at full-time before gathering in front of the main stand as players led celebrations from the balcony.

It was an emotional moment for Hayrettin, whose team have taken the title on the back of 21 wins in 25 games.

“Everyone thinks about people that could be here,” added Hayrettin.

“I wish my mum was here, she’s going to come to the last game of the season, I wish my dad was alive to see this, he would have been proud.

“But I’m so proud of my team, I’ve been like a father to them, I’ve guided them, I’ve tried to do what’s right by them, I’ve b*******d them when I’ve had to, I’ve made them understand that in order to be winners we have to work hard and without that it’s not possible.

• Maidstone 3-1 Chelmsford - Stones are champions

“This is very proud for me because in one season we’ve turned it around, haven’t we?

“There’s been a lot of pressure here, no one gave us credit, we’re the Leicester of the league, no one thought we were going to win it.

“No one even considered us but, let me tell you something now, I didn’t have a doubt in my mind that we were going to be up there. Other people did. That’s why I do the job that I love.

“I just can’t describe the feeling but look at the boys down there, look how happy they are. Amazing.”