Bill Williams has called for patience while Maidstone adapt to National League football.

Stones are back in the top flight of non-league for the first time since winning the Conference – and promotion to the old Division 4 – in 1989.

Chief executive Mr Williams was the club’s general manager then and knows what a tough division it is.

Jay Saunders’ side face five ex-Football League clubs in their opening 10 games, as well as title favourites Forest Green. It’s a testing fixture list and Mr Williams has appealed to fans – treated to three promotions in four seasons – to take the rough with the smooth.

He said: “It’s human nature that if you haven’t got a successful side, no matter what level you’re playing at, you get a drop-off in attendances.

“I’ve no magic words but let’s try and be a little bit patient because my gut feeling is this first 10 games we’ll know roughly where we are because we’ve got 10 good sides in there who play with all different sorts of patterns, all different types of approach.

“The best scenario is we do well in those first 10 – the worst is that we don’t do too well, we win one, draw a couple and lose seven but you can adjust, which Jay has always done.

“I hope he doesn’t have to do that but if he does, that’s all part of this game. Our supporters need to be ready for that as well."

Don't miss your five-page Stones season preview in Friday's Kent Messenger.