Terry Casey says Harry Wheeler was miles ahead of the field in Maidstone's search for a new boss.

Co-owner Casey was hugely impressed when United interviewed Wheeler last week.

They spoke again on Monday and the former Billericay manager agreed a deal to the end of the season.

Casey said: "He interviewed really well.

"We had recommendations from people in the football business that we respect enormously and we were thrilled when we realised how much potential he has and how much he'd achieved in a short time.

"We were just delighted with him accepting the job.

"The shortlist we composed was a very strong list of applicants but on reflection Harry was just miles ahead in everything.

"He had everything we wanted and his passion for the game was second to none.

"I don't see the appointment as a risk at all. I see it as a massive step forward for the club at all levels.

"He's into the community side, he's going to be working in the academy, he's just an all-embracing appointment.

"He's going to take on the whole Maidstone United mantra and he's going to do everything we want him to do because that's the type of chap he is."

The board will make funds available for new signings but Casey also wants to see more from the current squad, who he feels didn't perform for ex-boss Jay Saunders.

Casey said: "I don't think we've worked hard enough.

"I don't know how clever we've been with our recruitment because I don't think the players have come up to their full potential.

"If Jay was an embittered man he'd probably think to himself these players are very good players but they haven't done it for him and that's a shame but that's the nature of football.

"I just want to see us play well. I don't think we've played very well for a long time.

"We have to find more money - we just have to find it.

"We'll find it from within the business. We'll have to do whatever we have to do.

"We really want to stay in this league.

"I think this is our natural place but we haven't played well, we haven't entertained the supporters.

"We need more excitement on the pitch.

"I think we'll do that now with Harry.

"I think he'll bring a different energy and tempo to the whole thing."