Maidstone players welcomed Jay Saunders' decision to stay at the Gallagher.

Saunders was offered the chance to manage Macclesfield in League 2 but stayed loyal to his hometown club.

It was good news for the Stones squad who had seen their boss installed as the 1/10 favourite to succeed John Askey at Moss Rose.

Midfielder Jack Paxman said: "He's been at Maidstone a long time and his family are all down here.

"It would have been a great opportunity but we're all happy he's staying.

"With the way Maidstone are looking to do things this year it would have been a shame to see him go.

"After the chats we had and everything we discussed, I was really looking forward to working with him again.

"He feels like he can get the best out of me this time around and I agree.

"It was a strange one because everything went quiet and then he was odds-on favourite and the bookies stopped taking bets.

"Everyone was wondering what was going on but with it all being sorted, it helps us out.

"We know where we're going to be and who's going to be in charge."