Andy Ford claims his Maidstone United side are better off without Joe Vines after the central defender’s shock departure from the club.

Former Sittingbourne defender Vines, pictured, joined the Stones in September and became a prominent feature in the side before leaving the club after the 3-0 loss to rivals Tonbridge Angels last week.

Stones boss Ford was informed of Vines’ decision to leave the club soon after the Tonbridge defeat and is frustrated by the player’s exit. Since Vines’ departure, Ford has brought in defenders Reis Boyle and Ronayne Marsh-Brown to fill the void.

Ford said: "Joe told me after the game last week against Tonbridge that he feels the club is going nowhere and is disappointed by the artificial pitch which we are going to be playing on.

"He has just chucked in the towel, really, which I’m disappointed about. We need characters and if he is not prepared to have the fight, then he is better off out of the place."

Picture: Steve Terrell