MUCH like Southend United, Harry Kyprianou has continued to upset the odds this season.

The former Shrimpers defender is currently part of the Maidstone United side who have worked their way through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

And the 26-year-old is relishing his role in the Stones’ success.

“It’s been an incredible season,” said Kyprianou.

“You don’t expect to get the fifth round of the FA Cup being a National League South side and to be part of it is a pleasure.

“We’ve got a really good group of players and a really good manager too.

“We’re out there together giving our best for the club and who knows how far it can take us.”

Maidstone have shocked Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich Town in the FA Cup so far and will head to Coventry City for the next clash later this month.

And Kyprianou is making the most of his involvement.

“It was a dream come true against Ipswich and it’s really special,” said the defender.

“Ipswich are an incredible club and team but we believed, we stuck to our game plan and it paid off.

“It’s not something you do every day and I realise these are moments you have to cherish so we’ll be doing that for sure.”

However, Kyprianou says Maidstone are also maintaining their focus on the league and are keen to win promotion this term.

“It’s a tough league to get out of and it’s important to finish as high up as we can given the structure of the play-offs,” said Kyprianou.

“If we can’t win the league then we need to stay in those top couple of spots.

“The league has to be the priority even though the cup has been a dream this season.

“It’s been an honour to make history for the club but the league is still really important.”

Maidstone are currently fourth in the National League South standings but Kyprianou is not the only ex Shrimper involved with the Kent club.

Ex Blues coach Craig Fagan is assistant manager with the Stones while former Southend striker Matt Rush is in fine form in attack but is unable to feature in the FA Cup run.

“Poor Rushy is cup-tied but he’s been in great form and he’s scoring a lot of goals,” said Kyprianou.

“He’s a great player and it’s unfortunate for him to miss out on the cup games but he’s doing really well.

“Craig’s a really, really clever coach who really knows his stuff.

“Tactically he’s really good and it’s really good to work with the gaffer and him.

“They’re two really positive people and it’s great to work with them.”

Fagan works closely alongside Maidstone boss George Elokobi and the duo have enabled Kyprianou to enjoy his football once again.

“It’s been a good season so far,” said Kyprianou.

“I’ve probably played as many games already this season than I have in previous years so it’s going well.

“I’m enjoying my football again which is good.

“I’ve had a few tricky seasons in the past but I’m enjoying it this year which is really nice.”

Kyprianou had previously seen his progress halted by injury setbacks and that was certainly the case during his time with the Shrimpers.

The defender made 32 appearance for Blues between 2015 and 2021 but holds mixed memories of his time at Roots Hall.

“It was mixed emotions for me really,” said Kyprianou.

“Getting the opportunity to play for the club was incredible and the fans were exceptional.

“That led to really positive feelings but I had some tricky times with injury and the Achilles one I had was a long one.

“It was mixed and I do look back and think I could have achieved more but at the same time I’m proud of what I did do.

“I didn’t get dropped many times but injuries held me back which was frustrating.”

However, Kyprianou still tracks how the Shrimpers are getting on.

“Of course I still keep an eye out,” said Kyprianou.

“The fans were great, even when I was injured they were so supportive.

“We all went through a difficult time with things not going so well but everyone was so positive kind and supportive. But things seem back on the up for the club and everyone deserves that.”

The Shrimpers head to Oxford City, another of Kyprianou’s former clubs, this weekend.

And Kyprianou also enjoyed his time at the RAW Charging Stadium.

“It was just short of a season I had there,” recalled Kyprianou.

“I signed in September and stayed until the play-off semi-final.

“It was different to Southend but it was run well with good local, young players.

“We played some really good football but we fell just short.

"We lost to Dorking who were strong but it was a good club and I enjoyed it there.”

Kyprianou’s ex sides do battle this weekend.

And he knows they will both be determined to win.

“I’ve seen the league table,” said Kyprianou.

“Southend will be keen for a win and Oxford City will be desperate for one at the moment.

“Being honest I’m leaning more towards a Southend win as my preference but I wish them both well.”