jay Saunders leaves Maidstone United: I’ve been through every emotion possible with this club and I’m thankful for all the opportunities and the memories, I’ll never forget any of them

JAY SAUNDERS says he will be “forever a fan” of Maidstone United after leaving the club yesterday after seven games into the Vanarama National League campaign.

Saunders first took charge of the club back in March 2011 and parted company by mutual consent yesterday after the club suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Boreham Wood, leaving the club in the bottom six with seven points from as many games.

Saunders issued a statement, typed out in amber ink on a black background, on his Twitter account, starting it with “For all the fans, the players, the supporters and the dreamers.

“it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my time at Maidstone United has come to an end.

“From supporting the club as a child, to proudly wearing the shirt on the pitch, managing the Stones was a dream I never thought would come true.

“I’ve been through every emotion possible with this club and I’m thankful for all the opportunities and the memories, I’ll never forget any of them.

“I want to sincerely thank all the players that have given everything to me on the pitch and all the back room staff who worked tirelessly alongside me.

“I also want to say a very special thank you to the supporters who have stood in my corner until the very end, the words of support I’ve received since the announcement yesterday have been overwhelming and I will be forever grateful for that.

“Coming from a supporter who got to play for and manage this team, I know exactly how you feel about the club and share your passion.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t fulfil my dream of taking the team back to the Football League, something we all thought was possible and achievable but the opportunity to have played a part in this chapter of the clubs history has been a privilege and honour.

“For me, I’m onto the next challenge where ever that may be.  Thank you again for everything.”

Bearsted resident Saunders ended his statement with “Up the Stones. Forever a fan.”

Saunders’ assistant manager, Steven Watt, who previously manged Isthmian League Premier side Margate, has been put in caretaker charge for Saturday’s trip to Gateshead and the home game against Sutton United on Tuesday 4 September.

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