New stadium has convinced players to drop down to play for us, says Stones boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED player-manager Jay Saunders says he is able to sign players from a higher level of football because of the club’s new £2.6m stadium.



The Stones move in at their new stadium at James Whatman Way next month and the Ryman League Division One South club welcome Brighton & Hove Albion for their homecoming on Saturday, 14 July, which has already sold out 2,000 tickets.

The Kent club have also announced some high-profile fixtures against the likes of Dagenham & Redbridge, and Leyton Orient to put bums on new seats ahead of their League campaign.

Saunders have already brought in strikers Ian Draycott and Paul Booth from Ryman Premier League side Lewes, while brothers Tim and Ade Olorunda have put pen to paper following their release from Blue Square Bet (Conference) South neighbours Tonbridge Angels.

Saunders, who was speaking from his holiday in Gran Canaria, revealed today that he has agreed deals with a centre half and a goalkeeper, but he can’t announce anything until the pair have put pen to paper.

Central midfielder Saunders said: “I’m over the moon to get Tim and Ade, they will be big plusses to the squad and as soon as I knew they had left Tonbridge I was keen to get them in.

“I met them at the new ground and I think it helped convince them to drop down to this level.

“I wanted a squad with good depth this year because I think we lacked last year and these signings will help with that and they are within budget, which is obviously important.”

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