It’s no secret that it’s been a season to forget for Maidstone United, but Regan Booty has been a diamond in the rough this season for the Stones.
Despite being relegated with Maidstone this season, Booty has managed to be one of the standout players in the National League.
Following their relegation Booty and Maidstone took to Twitter to announce the midfielder’s impending departure from the Gallagher Stadium, following the end of his contract.
It’s a case of rebuilding at the Gallagher, and Booty has joined a long list of players departing the Stones after the end of the season. Newly appointed Maidstone boss George Elokobi has put the wheels in motion to get the base of his squad locked in, ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer window at the Gallagher.
Who is Regan Booty?
Booty now 25, originally comes from Yorkshire and started his career with his hometown club Huddersfield. However, he never made a first-team appearance for the Terriers during his four years with the club, he did have a loan spell with Aldershot before leaving to join Notts County. The midfielder had spells at Bradford PA and Chorley before joining the Stones back in 2021.
This season, he has been by far the best player in this dreadful Maidstone side. He’s right up there with the players at the top of the division for progressive passes and passes into the final third with 608 and 685 respectively, impressive for a player plying his trade for the National League’s bottom club. The icing on the cake for Booty was his England C call-up.
Where Next?
Well, there are a few rumours surrounding Booty’s future with him being strongly linked with a few clubs in the National League, but as discussed below, I think he could be in with a chance of a move up into the EFL.
Oldham Athletic
There are a few reports that Booty could be on his way back up north to link up with Oldham. It’s been a season of security for the Latics finishing 12th and confirming another season in the National League.
I have no doubt that they will be looking to push on to challenge towards the top end for that return to the EFL, following some troubling times at Boundary Park.
Booty would slot into most teams, but one thing he does bring is that creativity and forward-thinking mentality which for a side aiming to start building back towards the EFL could be priceless.
Notts County
This one, will probably come as a surprise for most, but hear me out. Notts are many peoples pick to go up through the playoffs, after narrowly missing out on the title and automatic promotion to Wrexham. They have secured their place in the playoff final and I doubt they will be looking too far past that right now.
I don’t see them keeping hold of star man Ruben Rodrigues, and they can’t go wrong looking at Booty as a replacement. Notts play an attractive attacking style of football, with constant progression which Booty has more than shown this season he is capable of playing.
League Two or the National League wherever it may be for Notts, bringing Booty back to the club should be a top priority.
Gillingham
Controversial given the club Booty is at currently and the local rivalry between the clubs. But Gillingham won’t be too worried about taking Booty from the Stones.
The perfect player for this Gillingham side, at this point I think it’s about building a squad to challenge the top end and not just an eleven. Don’t get me wrong, given his lack of EFL experience Booty would be a risk, but for me, a risk The Gills should be 100% be looking to take.
Chesterfield
The other of the two sides set to fight it out in the National League playoff final, either Chesterfield or Notts will be joining Wrexham in League Two next season.
Regardless of where Chesterfield end up, for me, Booty has to be top of their list. He adds to what is already a creative midfield boasting the likes of D J Oldaker, with those two on your side you can’t go far wrong in terms of creating chances.
Combine that with a top-level striker and the Spireites will have a recipe for success, of course, three players don’t make a team but it’s certainly a very good base.
The playoffs will of course play a part in the type of player they are in for this summer, but again I genuinely believe that all Booty needs is someone to take that chance on him.
Swindon Town
Much has changed at Swindon following a very up and down season, with Technical Director Sandro Di Michelle leaving his post and now ex-manager Jody Morris set to be replaced by a new manager in the coming days.
It’s hard to say what Swindon will be looking for in the summer with all the change, but one thing is for sure they will be hoping to push towards the top end of the table, following a disappointing end to this season.
Personally, I think it’s time for the Robins to take a risk to see the reward they seek. Booty offers them an abundance of creativity and attacking prowess as well as being sound defensively. Given the circumstances at the club, it may just be the perfect fit.
Writers View
Having had the pleasure of watching Booty play on a number of occasions, I have to say, I have no doubt of his ability to play in League Two next season.
Coming into what would be considered his “prime” I think it’s time he starts to look up the leagues rather than down. Be it towards the top end of the National League or in League Two I expect we will see an even better Regan Booty than we did this season in a struggling Maidstone side.
As a Gillingham fan, he’s the type of player I’d love to see on our side, with lots of drive and desire. Yes, I know he comes with risk but there is no reward without risk, I think on a free it’s a win-win situation.
