By Andrew Gidley

Bill Williams has responded to suggestions he approached Margate skipper Jay Saunders about becoming Maidstone’s new player-manager without permission of their Ryman League, Premier Division rivals.

Maidstone's chief executive confirmed he spoke to Margate about former Stones midfielder Saunders (pictured), but added: "I may have bumped into him socially and run the idea past him but Keith Piper (Margate chairman) and I have since spoken about the situation."

In a statement, Margate said: "We were approached initially by Mr Williams for permission to talk to Jay in connection with the Maidstone job.

"He was told Jay is under contract at Hartsdown Park, that he would not be going anywhere and that permission to speak to him would not be granted.

"Jay was told of the Maidstone approach but confirmed his wish to remain at Margate.

"Disappointingly, Mr Williams subsequently spoke to Jay, asking him to keep the conversation confidential."