If you look at our squad, it's good enough to get promoted, says Stones boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED player-manager Jay Saunders has warned Woodstock Sports to treat tomorrow’s game between the two sides as a friendly, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Stones have won their opening two pre-season games against Bearsted and Thamesmead Town and travel to the artist formerly known as Norton Sports tomorrow.

Saunders, 32, who played his first 45 minutes of the season at Bayliss Avenue on Tuesday night, has warned Woodstock player-manager Ben Taylor to save their trademark physical approach for the Kent League.

“The boys’, to be fair, can all look after themselves,” said Saunders.

“Pouts (assistant manager, Alan Pouton) knows Ben Taylor down there and we sort of said we’re not going to go down there if it’s going to be war.

“I don’t think it’s going to be like that. At the end of the day Ben’s a good lad.”

The Stones are expected to give winger Joe Sands a trial and he will face his current club on Saturday after he missed the 2-1 win at Thamesmead through work commitments.

“We’re having a look at Joe Sands at pre-season, that was part of the deal” said Saunders, who has never played Ryman League Division One South football.

“He’s done well in pre-season, hopefully he’ll be involved on Saturday.  He’s someone I’ve seen, I was quite impressed with him.  I’ve had good reports on him so we’ll have a look at him.”

Saunders admitted it’s a big year for the club.  The Stones suffered their first relegation as they found the Ryman Premier League too tough last season and the club will be playing in the county town next season – a visit from Peterborough United pencilled in for their emotional homecoming next summer.

When asked about his aspirations for the season ahead, Bearsted based Saunders said: “Going up – that’s what we’re here for, to try and go up, ideally win the league.  That would be perfect but it’s a hard league to get out of.  I’ve never played in this league before.  Everyone I speak to says it’s a hard league to get out of.

“If you look at our squad it’s good enough to do it but mentally you have to be strong enough to do it so we’ll get the boys’ prepared right for the season and hopefully have a good season.”

To play Ryman Premier League football again in Maidstone next season would be perfect for everyone at the club and the club can expect to attract regular four figure crowds in their home town.

Saunders agreed, saying, “That is the dream really, to go up and being back at Maidstone – no pressure!

“We’ve got a good side together and we’ll be giving it our best shot and hopefully if everything comes together and we’re in a new ground in a new league then great, but we’re not taking anything for granted as we know what a hard season we’ve got ahead of us.”

Tomorrow's game kick's off at one o'clock.

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk  

Woodstock Sports  v  Maidstone United
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 23^rd July 2011
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG