MANNY DUKU is back in English football after returning to non-league with Vanarama National League South side Maidstone United.

Former York City striker Duku exited the Minstermen in the Summer upon the expiration of his contract, opting to make the switch to Gibraltar to join Manchester 62.

Duku had managed four goals in 30 matches for York, having also enjoyed previous spells in the Netherlands, Scotland and in the English Football League with Cheltenham Town.

The towering forward impressed in his time overseas in Gibraltar, netting six goal in six matches for Manchester 62, including a hattrick in a 7-0 victory over Lions Gibraltar FC.

The 31-year-old was announced prior to Maidstone’s 1-0 victory over Braintree Town on Tuesday evening, replacing Liam Sole in the 63rd minute and coming close to opening his account for the Stones, driving through on goal before being denied by Braintree shot-stopper Jack Simms.

Maidstone boss George Elokobi also revealed that the club had tried to sign Duku in the Summer, but to no prevail.

Elokobi was thrilled to welcome Duku to the club, telling the club media team: “Manny Duku is someone that I spoke to in the Summer, trying to get his service here, but the deal couldn’t be broke at the time.

“It’s important that we look at the second half of the season and at us as a football club, having the right personnel and the right character that can come in and add value to the squad.

“He knows the division really well and brings in his experience to help our young squad.

“It’s another great addition to Maidstone United Football Club and to the squad, who are doing okay at this stage of the season.

“The injuries we have had in our forward line, we needed to boost our forward line and Manny Duku is a great addition.

“I’m looking forward to working with him, he’s loving life here and has already trained with us for a couple of days now, he loves everything about our structure and our environment and he can’t wait to get going.”