Steve Watt didn’t need persuading to rejoin Maidstone.

The club’s former captain was named as Jay Saunders’ assistant just days after leaving his job as Margate manager.

“It was the quickest decision you could make,” he said.

“I was surprised to get the call but as soon as Jay expressed an interest to take me back I didn’t have to think about it.

“I’m grateful to Jay for giving me the opportunity to come back to a club where I have made no secret about how much it means to me.

"Hopefully I can help recreate some of the special times I had there as a player.”

Watt was released by the Stones in November 2015. He had a spell as assistant boss at Hastings before taking over as manager of Margate in February 2017.

Last Monday it was announced his tenure at Hartsdown Park was over and just five days later he was installed as No.2 at the Gallagher.

He insists he never held any grudges following his Stones exit two and a half years ago.

“I have always got on well with Jay, even after my departure,” said the 33-year-old.

“We have never had a crossed word. He made a footballing decision and he was proved right. I don’t hold grudges.

“We have always kept in touch. When his name popped up on my phone I expected him to be asking about what happened (at Margate) but as the conversation went on he spoke about me coming back as assistant. I didn’t need any time to think about it. I jumped at the chance. I told him, 'if you want me back it’s a yes'.

“It’s a fantastic club and I want to be a part of it. From a coaching point of view I am jumping two levels and working in the National League and for it to be at Maidstone as well, it ticks every box.

"I would have gone back to Maidstone as the kit-man had they asked!

“I will look to repay Jay like I did as a player, by working as hard as I can and demanding the same from the players. I’ll be giving my all to the club.”

Asked what he thinks Maidstone can achieve, he said: “This is a league club in waiting, it might take a few years to get there, but the sky’s the limit."