Bill Williams has apologised to Maidstone fans following the club’s relegation.

It’s been a season to forget for the Stones who have finished bottom of the National League - 18 points from safety.

They’ve had three managers, two caretakers and been through 60-odd players in a nightmare campaign which finished with a 2-0 home defeat by Aldershot on Saturday.

In his programme notes for the Shots game, Stones chief executive Williams said: “We have failed this season and let everyone down.

“From the boardroom down to the management and the players, we have totally underachieved, and it really hurts.

“We all hold our hands up and apologise to all our supporters.

“But rest assured that we will all be finding the energy and drive over the months ahead to make things right.”

• Hakan's masterplan

Williams said as the club’s relegation hits home it only fills him with more determination to help get Maidstone back into the National League.

He confirmed next season’s budget has been agreed with head of football John Still and head coach Hakan Hayrettin but called for patience as it will take time to build a new squad.

Williams said: “My gut feeling is that for one reason or another there will not be many of this season’s players left and that we are about to see the building of a completely new team.

“This is not an easy exercise, so I would ask everyone to show a bit of patience as the management find the ways and means to select the right types of talent and character in their search for new players.

“The budget has been agreed, with the proviso that if any special player comes along it will be given every consideration over the present agreed figure.”

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