Premier League pedigree
Boothy’s back
Jamar Loza arrives at Maidstone just two years after playing for Norwich against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Loza scored his first Stones goal in the 2-2 draw at Sutton on Tuesday night and is out to rebuild his career after leaving Carrow Road in the summer.
It’s hard to believe the 22-year-old, who has three caps for Jamaica, finds himself in non-league so soon after his top-flight debut.
He was introduced as a 58th-minute substitute against the Gunners on the final day of the 2014 season.
Arsenal won 2- 0 as Norwich were relegated but the Stones new boy has only fond memories.
He said: “It was a great experience, one of the best footballing moments in my life.
“I remember every second. It was one of those moments you dream about as a kid and thankfully it happened.
“I did well and the game was quite open.
“We were 2- 0 down at the time and had a lot of the ball in the last half an hour. I got a few shots off and nearly scored.
“They had all their big guns out. I got Olivier Giroud’s shirt and that was great for me because he’s a striker I like.”
Loza, who had loan spells at clubs including Coventry and Southend, scored his first Norwich goal the following season.
But he couldn’t force his way into the side when Alex Neil took over from Neil Adams and was released at the end of last season.
He said: “I played a couple of games in the Championship, scored a goal against Huddersfield but then a change of manager, change of style and I got pushed back with the under-21s and went out on loan here and there.
“I did feel a bit unfortunate to be released because I was still playing good football.
“When I played for the first team I scored and for the under21s, I was scoring loads and loads of goals.
“But I kind of half expected it as at my age if you’re not playing regularly they’re not going to keep you to just play under-21s.”
Loza missed out on a Football League move in the summer and remained a free agent before joining Maidstone on Thursday last week.
He said: “There were a few clubs interested but where I was waiting and holding out, they signed other players and the doors closed.
“I was just waiting for the right opportunity, Maidstone came along and I thought at this time I need to start playing. It’s a great opportunity to come and play and do well.”
Loza has ambitions to add to his three Jamaica caps, having made his international debut in the 2-2 draw with Egypt in June 2014.
He said: “It’s great playing for your country. I played in some good games as well.
“I played Egypt, against Mohamed Salah (exChelsea, now Roma).
“I didn’t get a lot of minutes but the experience alone was great.
“They do have an under-23 squad and I got picked for the last one, so hopefully I can carry on playing for them and Maidstone and get a few more caps with the senior team.” Old favourite Paul Booth is back at the Gallagher. Booth, top scorer when Stones won promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division, is the club’s new fitness coach and will also work with the forwards. Boss Jay Saunders said: “Boothy was one of the best strikers about with his goalscoring record in nonleague, so hopefully he can pass on some stuff and it’ll be good to have him back involved. “He knows what it’s like to be a part-time footballer. He’s been there and done it. “When you’ve only got two nights a week training, that’s the hardest bit for the fitness people.”