By Alex Hoad

Maidstone United’s dressing room is the place to be, according to delighted boss Jay Saunders.

Saunders (pictured) says the squad - riding high in Ryman League, Division 1 South after going 10 games unbeaten - have created the best atmosphere he has known in his career.

It’s in stark contrast to 12 months ago when morale was low and the Stones were struggling at the foot of the Premier Division.

Saunders said: "With the exception of two or three players, this is a totally new side. But it could not be more different from eight or nine months ago. This is one of the best dressing rooms I’ve ever been involved in.

"Michael Phillips - who was with us last season - said after he came back that he couldn’t believe the difference in the atmosphere and the belief. It’s a good place to be on and off the field. Everyone knows we are going
places."

Stones sat top of the table after inflicting the first defeat on leaders Dulwich last Saturday but slipped back to second on Tuesday when Dulwich overcame this Saturday's opponents Eastbourne.

Saunders added: "I’m not worried whether we are top or not. I said before the season started that if we could be in and around the top five at Christmas then we’d be on course.

"Everyone beats everyone in this league. We now have Eastbourne away and then on Wednesday we have Godalming at home and they are two of the better teams in the division."