The 28-year-old can play as a left-back or centre-back, and was part of the Stones squad which won the National League South in 2022. He remained there this season, appearing in 49 league games for the club over two seasons.

Having come through the Crystal Palace academy, where he was in the year below Michael Chambers and Quade Taylor, Jerome enjoyed loan spells at Forest Green Rovers, Southend United, Burton Albion and Leyton Orient.

Following his release by Palace in 2016, he remained in the Football League, first with Peterborough United, and then with Chesterfield.

Spells in the National League followed with Halifax Town and Barnet, before he joined the Stones in August 2021.

"It's great to be here!" said Jerome. "In the past, I have played here, and know that the fanbase is big, and on a Saturday they get behind their side. I'm now just excited to get going in front of them. You look higher in the pyramid, and there are many clubs that don't have this sort of support."

"They've also given me some great stick in previous games which I enjoyed, so I'm looking forward to having them behind me now!"

"I believe I'm a strong player, with good feet who can find a pass, and now and then I come up with a goal too, if I get one I might go on a bit of a scoring run!"

"Hak and Terry gave me an opportunity at Maidstone when I was really unfit, and helped turn me into a National League South winner, so I am respectful to them. As soon as they called me up, I wanted to play for them again knowing how much I enjoyed it last time."

"They are honest and work so well together, that partnership won us the league at Maidstone, and they will ensure we have a good team spirit next season."

“Jerome did ever so well for me as a footballer, he had a few injuries at the start of the 21-22 season, but during the last four months when we won promotion, he was exceptional,” said Hakan.

“He’s a big character with a lovely smile, he’s warm, and he’s a great footballer which is the most important thing.”

“He’s got Football League and National League experience but he wanted to be part of the challenge here. He wasn’t someone that we initially chased as we thought he’d be plying his trade a lot higher, but there is a lot of mutual respect between us and I think that helped us get him over the line.”

“It’s a great signing for the football club and I am sure the supporters will love him once they get to see him play.”