Joe Vines has distanced himself from claims by Maidstone boss Andy Ford over why he left the club.

Ford claimed that Vines, pictured, left the Stones as he was unhappy with the proposed 3G pitch at Whatman Way and that Vines "feels the club is going nowhere".

But Vines insisted that he only left after a falling out with Ford following the 3-0 defeat to Tonbridge earlier this month.

Vines claims that he has a good reputation in local football and said: "I left Maidstone as I had no faith in Andy Ford.

"I was not in agreement with the constantly changing team but did not publicly state my views as I felt it would be damaging to the club. Instead, I told Andy privately of my concerns.

"I feel that Andy Ford is using my departure as a means to deflect attention from the situation the club is currently in on the field."

Vines added that he felt hurt by Ford’s comments and did not rule out a return to the Stones in the future under a different manager.

"During my time with Maidstone, I have only ever given 100 per cent effort and to be accused of saying that the club is going nowhere is hurtful," added Vines.

"As far as I am concerned I have never ‘chucked in the towel’ in my many years as a non-league footballer and it certainly isn’t the case now."