by Alex Hoad

Maidstone United caretaker manager Peter Nott has been given the job permanently after guiding the Stones to Ryman League Premier Division safety.

Nott (pictured) took over from Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume in February and after helping the Stones avoid the drop, he has been rewarded with a one-year rolling contract.

Nott has been at the club for eight years, managing youth and reserve teams before taking over at the helm.

He said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity. Over the next week or so I will start making preparations for the new season. I want to get things sorted as soon as possible. Other clubs have started and it’s important we move forward and build a team for the new campaign.

“I would like to thank all the supporters and everyone at the club for their backing since I came in. This is a great club with great people and I want it to be successful now and in the future."

Stones Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "I set him a task to keep us in the Ryman Premier Division. He achieved that and thoroughly deserves the chance to lead the first team next season.

“Peter is a loyal club servant and I know he is held in high regard by the supporters. He now has the summer months to put together a team and support staff to take part in what will be a competitive league. "

Mr Bowden-Brown also revealed the club will look to make financial savings in the off-season, which could lead to comings-and-goings in the transfer market.

He said: "There are many clubs that will have to cut their cloth, we are no exception, and that will present challenges. Current players may move on, new ones will arrive – that’s the nature of the game.

"Peter has the energy and drive to tackle those challenges and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Will Peter Nott be a success as Stones boss? Have your say below.