Virtually nobody outside the town thought Maidstone had any chance of winning the Ryman League Premier Division.

But manager Jay Saunders will collect his medal after the sold-out home game against East Thurrock on Saturday having always believed his team would be a match for overwhelming pre-season favourites Margate.

While Gate spent heavily, Saunders went quietly about his business signing seasoned campaigners like Sonny Miles, Jamie Coyle, James Rogers, Matt Bodkin and Jay May.

He said: “I always deep down thought we would have a chance when I looked at our squad.

“Last year we let in too many goals so straight away we signed a couple of centre-halves. We just tried to bring some experience in.

"We were very young last year. I didn’t think we were a million miles away but after Christmas, the injuries took their toll and we didn’t have enough depth, so we went for more depth and more experience and it’s worked.”

A happy changing room at Maidstone is thanks in no small part to Saunders’ man-management. Players love working for him and it’s shown on the pitch.

He said: “I played under a lot of managers and you try and take a little bit out of all of them. I try and be honest with the lads, I try and tell them what I think.

“If I’m not happy I let them know and if they’re doing well I praise them. The players know that when I say something, I mean it.

“It’s nice to hear players talk about man-management because you’re respected by them if you’re getting that right. We have got a good dressing room."

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