By Alex Hoad

Captain Jay Saunders has left Maidstone in turmoil after quitting the club to return to former side Margate.

The veteran midfielder, pictured, only took on a role as player/coach with the Stones this month but will return to Margate to help their bid to avoid the drop in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Stones boss Peter Nott said: "It is a big loss for us and it is disappointing because he is one of our main players.

"He was a big influence in the dressing room and had been a great help to us settling in over the past two weeks."

It has emerged that Saunders initially rejected a seven-day approach from Gate chairman Keith Piper but was persuaded to change his mind by a lucrative financial package which includes a clause which would see him receive a bonus if the Thanet side avoid relegation this season.

Nott acknowledged: "It was a financially good opportunity for him – too good for him to turn down at this stage in his career."

Two other Stones players are understood to be considering leaving the club as the fall-out from January’s deferred wages continued, with Nott admitting: "The vultures are circling."

On the pitch Maidstone will look to build on last Saturday’s draw at Billericay with home clashes against fellow strugglers Harrow and Billericay on Saturday and Tuesday.

James Peacock serves the second game of a four-match ban on Saturday. Tom Parkinson (hamstring) is a doubt but Jermaine Darlington should return after flu.