Newly-promoted Maidstone are second favourites to win the Ryman League Premier Division – but manager Jay Saunders isn’t convinced.

Bookmakers have priced United 8/1 to land the title at the first attempt, with Lowestoft the 6/1 favourites but Saunders believes a play-off push is more realistic.

Stones face an early test of their credentials when they play third favourites Wealdstone at home on the opening day of the season (August 10). They then have back-to-back away matches at Carshalton three days later and Hendon the following Saturday.

The first Kent derby against Margate is at Hartsdown Park on August Bank Holiday Monday with the return game on Boxing Day.

Saunders said: “We’re new into the league and have a lot of young lads who haven’t played at this level before. People look at the ground and our fan-base and the fact we’ve signed players like Lee Worgan and Frannie Collin.

“They think we’re just going to go straight through the league but there are a lot of teams paying a lot more money than us.

“I’d love it if we did win it but it will be tough. It’s going to be interesting, especially if we get a good start."

Stones have home friendlies against Ebbsfleet on Saturday and Welling on Tuesday and go to Tonbridge on Thursday.