by Alex Hoad

Stones boss Andy Ford says the overhaul of his squad is far from complete, but he hopes the players he has inherited can raise their games in the forthcoming weeks.

Weather permitting, Maidstone will host Tonbridge on Saturday knowing that three points will lift them out of the Ryman League Premier Division’s bottom four.

Ford (pictured) has already introduced Dean Hill, Danny Lye and Cedric Abraham into the Stones side and has also signed ex-AFC Wimbledon striker Tony Boot from Maldon, but revealed he could have more new faces in the squad for the derby clash with the Angels.

He said: “I think we still need another three and hopefully I might have two in for the weekend.

“I am slowly getting to put my mark on the squad but it needed a big overhaul – nothing was going to happen quickly.

“At the moment it is one-in, one-out, so we are strait-jacketed from that point of view. Some of the lads need to up their standard a bit, it would be great if they can, because it means we won’t need to look for replacements.”

Meanwhile, Ford has vowed to use Tuesday’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Ebbsfleet at Homelands to run the rule over some fringe players and triallists.

He said: “There are a few players I want to have a look at, like Ryan Cooper, who has only had a few minutes here and there.”

Norton’s Andy Irvine is also expected to feature for Maidstone in the game.