Bill Williams believes Jay Saunders is the man to take Maidstone United back to the Football League.

Boss Saunders signed a one-year extension to a rolling contract on Tuesday after unanimous backing from club directors.

Chief executive Mr Williams was general manager when United reached the old Division 4 in 1989 and he sees qualities in Saunders that can help the club achieve their ambitions.

Mr Williams said: “We’re only a few levels away from the Football League, which is the aim for this club and Jay is part of that drive to take us there.

“We’re here to support him and hope that together, we can end up where we want to be. We can get there in two or three years. I’m getting too long in the tooth to say five or six years!

“It won’t be easy but we’ve done it before. The club have to produce the support, commercially and financially,and Jay has to deliver on the pitch.”

Saunders succeeded Andy Ford three years ago and last season led United to promotion.

Mr Williams added: “Myself and the board have a good working relationship with Jay.

“We know he’s a young manager and still learning the trade but he’s got us to where we are now and that’s no fluke."