AARON Blair says winning promotion to the National League with Braintree Town is a memory that will live with him forever.

The striker has left the Iron and joined National League South side Maidstone United.

Blair, who helped Braintree win promotion to the National League last season, has linked up with the Stones after they had an offer accepted for the striker.

Blair scored in the Iron's 4-3 promotion final win at Worthing and says he will look back on his fantastic 2023-24 campaign under Angelo Harrop's side with fondness.

 

Blair told the Maidstone United website: "We always said we wanted to get promoted, last year.

"We played three games that all went into extra-time and to win it like that was amazing.

"I did an interview after the game and I was so excited, I couldn't get my words out!

"It's a memory that will live with me forever.

"I'll never forget the goal against Worthing.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

"I remember it dropping down and thinking 'I've got to hit it with my left foot' and I've looped it over the keeper."

Blair made 91 appearances and scored 31 goals in his time at the Iron, who say they are 'incredibly sad to see him go but wish him the very best for the future'.

He was an apprentice at Dagenham and Redbridge where he spent three seasons before moving on loan to Braintree, a deal that was made permanent last October.

 

Now he has signed for Maidstone and will play under former Braintree and Colchester United defender, George Elokobi.

"I'll put the fans on their feet, I'll run in behind and the channels all the time, I'm on the shoulder and goals and assists," added Blair.

"I love scoring goals - they will get goals from me and they will get assists.

"I want to win it (the National League South title), this time.

 

"I know promotion was good and going through the play-offs but I want to win it this time and I know that my team-mates are on the same wavelength as me.

"I've spoken to George and I know that that's his aspiration as well.

"My aspirations and ambitions are aligned with the management team and my team-mates."