Jay Saunders says it’s an honour to manage his hometown club after agreeing terms for next season.

Maidstone have rewarded Saunders with a new deal on the back of an impressive campaign that could yet end in promotion and League Cup glory.

Co-owner Terry Casey made the approach and the deal to extend the boss’ three-year reign was done in no time.

Saunders, 35, said: “Negotiations with Terry never take long. As soon as he said he’d like me to stay, that was it.

“I love it here. It’s my hometown club, the club I watched as a kid and it’s an honour for me to have the job.

“I didn’t take staying on for granted, so it was nice to hear the club were keen to get it done.”

Saunders remains on the lookout ahead of transfer deadline day on Monday and could have a couple of loan players in place for the home match against East Thurrock on Saturday.

United lost 3-1 to the Essex side just 10 days ago but Saunders expects a different game at the Gallagher as third-placed Maidstone set about securing a Ryman League, Premier Division play-off place with six matches left.

“The boys know we didn’t turn up last week and it’s up to us to show East Thurrock what a good side we are,” said Saunders.

“We’ve got to have a right good go at these last six games. We haven’t been great defensively but we can’t look to shut up shop because we’ve got to win.”