Maidstone United midfielder Ryan Hanson is feeling the benefits of playing under Craig Fagan for the second time in his career.

The pair, who originally worked together in the under-23s at Hull City, were reunited when Fagan made Hanson one of his first signings after taking charge at the Gallagher Stadium.

It’s worked out well with Hanson a virtual ever-present in Maidstone’s rise to the top of National League South.

He’s one of three vice-captains in the squad and has gone about his business effectively in a holding midfield role, also scoring two goals, including a last-gasp winner against Salisbury.

Fagan was instrumental in Hanson’s summer move to Maidstone from his local club, Dover.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer previously,” said Hanson, 25. “I know what he’s like as a manager.

“With the recruitment he went through and bringing the right type of players in, I thought we’d hit the ground running. It’s no surprise that we’re in the position we are.

“He’s a great coach and with Rob (Tuvey, assistant manager) coming in as well, we felt the minute we came through the door, there was a DNA within the team.

“We knew exactly how we wanted to play, whereas it might take other teams five or six games to get used to what they’re doing.

“The gaffer’s nailed down exactly what he wants and I feel we’ve started by playing like that.”

Recalling his time with Fagan at Hull, Hanson added: “He was really good. When I signed up there, he was the under-23s assistant manager.

“He was always a hands-on coach. He worked with me a lot up there. So when he got the manager’s job here and got in touch with me, I was really happy to come in and have a conversation and get it over the line.

“When you go to a new club, there’s so many variables.

“You’ve got a new manager, a new set of fans and new players.

“But when you know exactly the kind of manager you’re working with and he knows exactly what I’m like as well, it just makes the transition easier.”

Fagan remains a coach at heart but, by the very nature of men’s football, he’s had to adapt as a first-team manager.

That hasn’t been lost on Hanson, who returns to former club Torquay with Maidstone this Saturday (3pm).

“When you’re in a 23s set-up, everything’s about how you play and the performance is probably more important than the results,” said Fagan. “Senior football is results-driven.

“He still coaches a lot but at the end of the day, it’s a cut-throat business. His job’s on the line every week, whereas in the 23s it’s probably not as stressful for him.”

Maidstone make the long journey to Devon top of National League South with 25 points from 12 matches.

They’re averaging more than two points per game which, in Hanson’s experience, is the benchmark for success.

“We know it’s early doors, and it’s one game at a time, but it’s enjoyable being in the position we are,” he said.

“Managers I’ve had previously, they’ve always said two points a game on average across the season and you’ll be up there for the title race, so we need to keep that going.

“If you lose one, you need to win the next two.”

Hanson joined Torquay from Dover for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2022 but the move didn’t work out.

The midfielder struggled to stay fit and the Gulls were relegated from the National League along with Maidstone.

He’s copped a bit of stick on subsequent visits to Plainmoor with Tonbridge and Dover, following his return to Crabble.

“I had a difficult time down there with injuries,” said Hanson.

“I could never really get fit, so I struggled in terms of playing consistently. I always get a nice reception when I go back!

“It didn’t work out as I’d hoped but hopefully I can go back and show them exactly what they’re missing.

“Maidstone’s record is good there, the lads were saying, so hopefully we can carry that on and get another win. That would be nice.”

Torquay sit in mid-table after a mixed start to their latest bid to regain National League status.

They’re nine points behind leaders Maidstone in 13th place.

“It’s a big club and there’s an expectation there,” said Hanson.

“They were a big club for the National League as well.

“The fans expect a lot and rightly so. Their results have been a bit up and down, so we’re looking to go down there on Saturday and give it a good go."