Maidstone United new boy Razzaq Coleman De-Graft plans to get the Gallagher Stadium rocking

Summer signing Razzaq Coleman De-Graft can’t wait to put on a show for Maidstone United fans.

Coleman De-Graft arrived from Isthmian Premier Lewes with a reputation as an exciting winger and scorer of spectacular goals.

The 25-year-old doesn’t get many tap-ins and he’s looking forward to showing Stones fans what he can do.

Boss George Elokobi told him all about the atmosphere in the Genco Stand at the Gallagher Stadium and when that first long-range strike hits the net, it’ll be a moment to savour.

“When I’m in the zone and enjoying myself, I always like to entertain,” said Coleman De-Graft.

“I know football is a business but it’s about entertainment.

“People come and watch you and you want to make them happy.

“You want to put on a show and I will 100% give my all and try to please the crowd.

“The majority of times, if you’ve hit the ball right and it’s on target, you know it’s probably going to go in.

“I did it about 12 times last season and every time it was the same feeling to see it hit the back of the net.

“When you hit the ball sweet from 20 yards and it goes in, you’re over the moon.

“George has told me about the stand behind the goal.

“I’m looking forward to scoring my first goal.”

While Coleman De-Graft likes to entertain, he knows the importance of working hard and fitting into the team structure.

He’s played in National League South previously, with Hampton, and the step up doesn’t concern him.

“I’m a hard worker and George likes hard work,” said Coleman De-Graft.

“I’m always willing to give my all.

“I’m someone who lives by consistency and hard work.

“Luck does help but it’s mainly hard work and if you put the hard work in, it pays off. It’s no coincidence.

“When I was at Lewes we played against a couple of National South teams.

“They’re more switched on but I’m not really fussed about the league.

“As long as I train hard and do what I need to do, I reckon I’ll be fine.

“If you really want something, you’ll go and get it and you’ll make sure you find a way to do it to the best of your ability.

“With the step up, I don’t see it like that.

“I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do, no ifs or buts.

“Whether it’s harder or not harder, I’ve got to do my thing.

“When it comes to freedom, I always listen to the manager first and do what they want me to do to the best of my ability.

“After that, I’ll implement my game and add my own twist.

“When I was at Lewes, Tony (Russell, manager) told me to do this and do that and then after that, add your own game.

“It was keep adding your game while doing what I’m asking you to do and then you kind of get the best of both worlds.

“You get what you bring and the experience of the manager.

“Add it together and that’s where the freedom comes from.”

It comes as no surprise that mentality plays a big part in Coleman De-Graft’s make-up.

It’s an area he’s worked hard on and the results have been clear to see.

“Mentality is something I’ve focused on in the last couple of years,” he said.

“Football is 10% in the feet and 90% mental. If your mentality isn’t where it needs to be, it’s tough.

“I’ve had times like that, where I’ve not been playing well, not focusing, not eating properly, and it affects you.

“So it was something I decided to work on and once you have the right mentality, you come back from setbacks a lot quicker.

“When I was at Hampton I wasn’t playing much, my head was all over the place and I wasn’t focused.

“By the time I was at Lewes, I started really well and then my form dropped but I was able to pick it back up quickly.

“I was quite proud of myself for that. When your form disappears it’s like the world’s against you, but it’s how you bounce back and I think I bounced back well.”