by Alex Hoad

New caretaker boss Jay Saunders has issued a rallying cry to his Maidstone players, claiming: "We’re not down yet."

The 32-year-old midfielder (pictured) has been handed the reins until the end of the season following Andy Ford’s resignation on Tuesday, moments after the 1-0 home defeat to struggling Croydon Athletic – their 10th in 11 league games – which left them adrift at the bottom of the Ryman League Premier Division.

Saunders said: "I am chuffed to bits. I wasn’t expecting it so I’m over the moon really.

"I always wanted to go into management after my playing days were over. It’s come a bit sooner than I thought, but you never know what’s round the corner.

"I want to keep playing and do my bit on the pitch, so it’s important that I find the right number two to be on the touchline, someone I can trust."

Saunders is understood to have an agreement with a coach about becoming his number two and he could be in the dugout for Saturday's visit of Billericay to Homelands.

Saunders revealed chief executive Bill Williams offered him the position on Wednesday after Steve Butler followed Ford out of the club.

Saunders said: "After Andy said he was resigning, Bill came into the dressing room and spoke to the players, telling us to stick together.

"He pulled me aside and asked if I’d take training on Thursday. Then I got a call on Wednesday saying Steve had left and would I be interested in taking it on until the end of the season?"

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