The death of footballer Junior Dian has brought back painful memories for Maidstone boss Jay Saunders.

Stones will hold a minute’s silence for Dian ahead of their pre-season friendly against League 2 Dagenham at the Gallagher Stadium today (Saturday, 3pm).

Tonbridge trialist Dian, 24, died after collapsing on the pitch at Whyteleafe on Tuesday night.

The same thing happened to Saunders’ close friend and former Margate team-mate Paul Sykes a decade ago.

Saunders said: “It’s terrible. I don’t think people realise how much something like this affects players and everyone connected with a club.

“I feel for Junior’s family and for Steve McKimm (Angels boss) and his boys.

“I didn’t know Junior but I’ve had experience of it happening to Sykesy, who was a good mate of mine, and it brings it all back.

“I’d spoken to him that day. I was with Gravesend by then and we were playing Farnborough away and I said I’d give him a call back after the game.

“I still remember being told by my dad what had happened. At first you don’t believe it.

“I spoke to Bill Edwards, who was playing, and he said he thought Sykesy was mucking about the way he went down.

“It didn’t really sink in until after the funeral.”