By Glenn Pearson

Maidstone skipper Graeme Andrews says the lure of being part of the first team playing at Whatman Way is motivating the players to ensure they return to the town back in the Ryman League, Premier Division.

With the club set to end their 23-year exile from Maidstone with a return next season, the Stones squad are keen to ensure they are part of the team that makes history when they kick the first ball at the new ground at the start of the 2012-2013 campaign.

Defender Andrews, pictured, who dropped down from Blue Square Bet South Welling to join Maidstone, is aware of the importance of next year and says it played an important part in his decision to sign for Jay Saunders’ side.

He said: "I came to Maidstone because it is a club going in the right direction. The ground is under way and that’s where the club needs to be – it needs to have a home."

Boss Saunders admitted seeing the plans to move back to Maidstone was a factor in his decision to return to the club and it has continued to play a part in selling the club to experienced players such as Shaun Welford, James Pinnock and Andrews.

Saunders said: "We have got a lot of local lads as well and when you are telling them that we are going to be playing in Maidstone, it is a big pull for them and that’s what has helped get people like Graeme to drop down from Conference South.

"If I had said ‘come to Maidstone but we are playing at Sittingbourne,’ I doubt Graeme would have come."