Striker Zac Attwood is leaving Maidstone to rejoin Margate in a big-money deal.

Attwood scored 24 goals for the Stones after joining from Gate in the early weeks of last season.

The 25-year-old was holding out for interest from Football League clubs before signing a new deal at the Gallagher Stadium but has accepted an offer from Stones' Ryman League Premier Division rivals.

United boss Jay Saunders said: "Margate asked to see him and said they might be able to make an offer he couldn't refuse, which is exactly what they've done.

"It wasn't an easy decision for Zac - he said no at first and couldn't make up his mind - but you can understand why he's gone.

"He's looking to buy a house and the money is miles better than he was on here.

"It's money I couldn't get close to - probably more than some League 2 players are on - but as much as I'd love to keep him, it wasn't even worth me making another offer.

"Money has to come into it as a non-league player.

"You may enjoy playing for certain clubs but we've all got to live and I wouldn't expect him to turn down that sort of money."

See Friday's Kent Messenger for the full story