We're capable of going in there and making the play-offs, says Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED manager Jay Saunders says he wants to get their campaign off to a winning start against Wealdstone on Saturday.


The Stones make their return to the Ryman Premier League after an absence of two years after finishing runners-up to Dulwich Hamlet last season and beating Folkestone Invicta and Faversham Town at home in the play-offs.

Saunders, 34, just can’t wait to get going after playing ten pre-season friendlies this summer to get his squad into shape.

“As a player I hated pre-season games and as a manager I think it’s a little bit false to be honest with you,” he said.

“You find everything in pre-season is pass, pass and pass. Don’t get me wrong we want to play that way but there are times when it doesn’t happen and you’ll normally find the first ball that’s kicked in the Ryman Prem will be a long ball into the channel from a team!

“We’re playing some good stuff and if we can carry on playing that sort of stuff, don’t get me wrong we’re going to have to mix it up because we’re going to come into December when the pitches will be bad and it’s getting the right blend.  I’m not a big lover of pre-season.”

But the next time Maidstone United take to the field will be against Wealdstone with three points up for grabs.

The form book claims the Kent side will lose their opening game, but Saunders wants to change that.

He said: “The last couple of seasons, my first full season in charge, we had Whitehawk at home and we got bashed 3-0 and last season we had Walton & Hersham and we lost 5-4.

“I’ve not had the greatest of starts on opening day since I’ve been manager so hopefully we can change that.”

When asked about his aspirations for the season ahead, Saunders said: “I’d love to be up and around the play-offs.”

He added: “Don’t get me wrong, every team that comes up say they want to consolidate and stay up there.  I’m ambitious, the club’s ambitious, I’ve got a lot of ambitious players in there.  You don’t go out and convince players like Frannie (Collin) and Worgs (Lee Worgan) and other people like that if you don’t have the intentions to have a good season.

“I think with the squad we’ve got we’re capable of going in there and having a good go at trying to make play-offs.

“I know there’s some clubs in there that are spending a lot more money than we are and are really going for it.  Your Lowestoft’s that made the play-off final for the last three years, there’s going to be a lot of clubs like that. Your Margate’s, a lot of clubs. I think if we can have a good start we’ll be up there and around it.”

Former Margate midfielder Saunders revealed he has kept himself ticking over and will only name himself in the team just in case of emergencies.

He said: “My backs not right. I’ve signed on and if I’m ever needed I still train when I can and still keep myself fit and do my own bits and if I’m ever needed I will. 

“But I look at the midfield at the moment and when you look at people like that you think I’m getting a bit old. I still feel I can play but unless my backs right I won’t do it.”

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

Maidstone United  v  Wealdstone
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 10^th August 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LQ