CHATHAM Town forward Simon Austin has joined Maidstone United. The 22-year-old, who started his career at Gillingham, has attracted attention from a number of clubs in recent months after scoring 45 goals in 86 appearances for Chats.

Although Chatham boss Peter Coupland thought he would be able to persuade Austin to stay at the club, he understands the player's decision to drop down into the Kent League with Maidstone.

He said: “I'm obviously disappointed but our budget is a little tighter than I would have hoped and Maidstone could pay him more.

“Simon is currently out of work so the money was a bigger issue than it normally would have been. But I wish him the best of luck.”