Skipper Steve Watt will lead Maidstone United into National League South after agreeing new terms.

Watt, 30, stayed largely injury-free during Stones' Ryman League Premier Division title-winning campaign.

And with his class and leadership never in doubt, an improved injury record was the final piece of the jigsaw when it came to offering a new deal.

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: "We got a lot more games out of him last year which is credit to Watty and the physio team. When he's fit he's one of the best centre-halves about.

"We want to go into the new league with experienced boys, so it was important we kept him around. I'm sure he'll do well.

"He was keen to stay and he genuinely enjoys being here.

"Everyone knows we've got a good dressing room and the captain is a big part of that.

"I always say to lads who sign they will either sink or swim in the dressing room because we have a lot of big characters, people like Watty, Lee Worgan, James Rogers and Frannie Collin.

"You need that not only when you're doing well but when things aren't going so well."

Watt was keen to stay at the Gallagher Stadium as soon as he knew a fresh deal was on the table.

He said: "It was important to get things done as quickly as possible.

"I spoke to Jay a week or so ago and I’ve always said I’ll make myself available to the club for as long as they’ll have me. I’m happy it’s done and I’m looking forward to what should be a great season.

"I’ve not spoken to anyone else. Maidstone’s a club going in the right direction and I’m happy to be part of that.

"My wife’s from Maidstone and it’s like my adopted hometown. I’m grateful to be part of it here.

"There are some great people at the club, my family love it here and I’m really settled.

"My little boy, who’s six, loves the club and he was in tears after the last game of the season because he didn’t know if I’d still be playing here next season.

"The club has got my heart."

Read more from Steve Watt in Friday's Kent Messenger.