By Kevin Redsull

Maidstone United may still not be sure where they will be playing their home games next season but the uncertainty doesn't seem to be putting players off from signing for the Stones.

Peter Hawkins and Meshach Nugent have become the latest to commit to the cause, joining Jay Saunders, Roland Edge, Nathan Paul, James Pinnock and new signing Jamie Turner.

Joint-manager Lloyd Hume said: "I am delighted with the way things are going. We are getting a positive response from the players."

Hawkins, 30, has signed a permanent deal after spending the second half of last season on loan from Ebbsfleet United and Hume added: "Peter is a quality player who has attracted interest from clubs at a higher level than us.

"To be honest, a couple of weeks ago he still wasn’t sure about signing but, having seen the sort of players who are signing for us, it’s made him decide to stay here."

Hawkins, who was a member of Fleet’s FA Trophy-winning side last year, added: "I enjoyed my spell with Maidstone last season and Walks (joint manager Alan Walker) has been able to persuade me to stay permanently, which I was more than pleased to be able to do."

Nugent has also been a target for other clubs but the 24-year-old striker feels his future is with the Stones.

He said: "I believe I have unfinished business at Maidstone. I loved my first season at the club but, despite doing well, I think I have got a lot more to show the management and the fans."

The Stones’ first pre-season friendly will be on Tuesday, July 14 at Ashford Town.