Jay Saunders has left Maidstone by mutual consent after seven years in charge.

Saunders led the Stones from Ryman South to the National League on the back of three promotions in four seasons.

He rejected the chance to join League 2 Macclesfield in the summer but now finds himself out of work after a mixed start to the National League season.

Yesterday's 2-1 home defeat by Boreham Wood proved the final straw.

Stones chief executive Bill Williams said: "This is a day none of us wanted to come but collectively we’ve decided to go our separate ways.

“In 60 years of football, this is one of the toughest decisions I’ve been involved with. I count Jay as a friend and have the utmost respect for what he’s achieved here at the football club.

"Jay has become synonymous with Maidstone United over recent years and his place in our club’s history is assured.

"His influence went beyond the first team to the academy, player development centres and soccer schools.

"He will always have a special place at the club, we thank him for everything he’s done and wish him the very best in wherever his football journey takes him next.

"We hope that part of that might be with us as we would like to continue a relationship with him going forward.”

Assistant manager Steve Watt will take charge of Saturday's trip to Gateshead.