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Ex-Maidstone United defender Chris Smalling reflects on changes between life Ryman League and at Manchester United

Fulham and England Under-21 defender Chris Smalling
Fulham and England Under-21 defender Chris Smalling

England's newest international Chris Smalling has given an insight into the differences between life at his former team Maidstone United and his new club Manchester United.

The £12m summer arrival from Fulham - who began his career with Maidstone in the Ryman League Premier Division three years ago before joining the Cottagers in July 2008 - was named in Fabio Capello's squad for Wednesday's game with France at Wembley.

The former Chatham Grammar School for Boys pupil (pictured) said the contrast between life with the Stones and at Old Trafford could not be starker.

The 21-year-old told manutd.com: "When I was at Maidstone I would have got up about 8.30am every day for school. We trained on Tuesdays or Thursdays in preparation for the weekend match and sometimes had a midweek game.

"I also had a part-time job at a hotel in the evenings so it was a busy time."

He added: "It’s strange to have gone from that to being a United player and having a lot of free time on my hands because rest is so important. You train intensely for maybe an hour-and-a-half a day, and you’ve also got your gym work. But when you’re not training, much of the time is spent resting."

Do you remember Smalling playing for Maidstone? Leave your memories below.

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