Maidstone have been warned on two fronts ahead of their crunch Boxing Day derby.

The Stones head to Kent rivals Margate (3pm), a game with added significance after the hosts named goalkeeper Nikki Bull as their new boss following the sacking of Terry Brown.

Bull won his first game last weekend as Margate climbed out of the National League South relegation zone and Stones manager Jay Saunders is under no illusions to the task facing his side.

“It always makes it difficult when there’s a new manager,” said Saunders, who himself was rumoured to be on Margate’s shortlist earlier this month.

“He’ll give them a lift and being that he’s used to being in the changing room, similar to when I took over here, you’re very much together with the lads. I’m sure he’ll have new ideas and he’ll see things slightly differently to Terry Brown.

“They’re a good side. I don’t know how they’re near the bottom this year with the players they’ve got. It’s going to be a tricky game for us.”

Maidstone beat Margate to the Ryman League, Premier Division title last season.

Big-spending Blues were among the pre-season favourites in National League South after promotion via the play-offs but have struggled – much to Saunders’ surprise.

He added: “You look at their squad at the start of the season and you’ve got to expect them to be pushing for promotion, as you did last year.

“They’ve got good players and only added to what they had. It’s never too late for anyone to go on a run."